Margaret V. Costley

Attorney

Experience

Margaret Costley has nearly thirty years’ experience in representing both individual and business clients in the preservation of assets, negotiation of contracts and loan documentation, asset planning and charitable planning.  Her practice focuses primarily on assisting clients in the administration of trusts and estates, probate, and providing counseling regarding planned charitable gifts.  Because the death of a loved one can create significant stress for those left behind, Margaret’s focus is on making this transition as easy as possible by providing the level of support that each client needs.

In addition to representing clients in private practice, Margaret spent more than ten years working with major universities as an advisor in complex charitable giving, having worked for Duke University as Associate Director of Planned Giving and also for the University of North Carolina Arts and Sciences Foundation.  She has extensive knowledge of the law related to charitable gifts, both as to current gifts from individuals and gifts made through complex estate planning instruments, including charitable trusts, and understands the tax advantages of this type of charitable gift.  She has been a featured speaker on the subjects of asset protection, charitable gift planning tools, and estate administration for professionals and charitable organizations. Margaret enjoys developing relationships with clients that enable her to provide the best possible service based upon trust and an understanding of the client’s goals and needs.

Education and Professional Honors

Margaret  is a cum laude graduate of Duke University, where she studied history and political science.  She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Wake Forest University School of Law, where she was a member of the Law Review and the Moot Court Board. She was also a Law Faculty Scholar and legal writing teaching assistant.

Personal

Margaret has served in numerous volunteer capacities in the public schools, community, and her church.  When not working, Margaret enjoys gardening, hiking, travel, and supporting her children’s sports teams. Her pesto is legendary.  In 1987 she married Mark Costley, the love of her life.  They have two children, who have helped her hone her negotiation skills.