Magistrate Deborah Ann Wagner, Estate Planning Attorney in New Bern, North Carolina

Magistrate concentrates on estate planning, family law, personal injury, probate, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Magistrate handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Estate Planning

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• Family Law

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• Personal Injury

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• Probate

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• Product Liability

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• Real Estate

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• Trusts

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Magistrate's primary office is at 105 Sextant Ct, New Bern, NC, 28562-8809. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Magistrate usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Magistrate discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Magistrate for a estate planning case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Magistrate walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Magistrate offer a free consultation?

  Magistrate charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Magistrate's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Magistrate's current terms during booking.

• How long do estate planning cases in North Carolina typically take?

  Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Magistrate gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Magistrate take my case if I'm outside New Bern?

  Magistrate is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Magistrate will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Magistrate?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Magistrate will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Magistrate accepting new estate planning clients right now?

  Magistrate's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.