Firm History
The general practice firm of Wessels Law Office is located on the western shores of Lake Norman in Denver, Lincoln County, North Carolina. The Firm’s roots go back to 1979, when Richard Kennedy and Dean Black established Kennedy & Black to serve the growing legal needs of the Denver, NC community. In the year 2000, D. Todd Wulfhorst joined the firm and Kennedy & Wulfhorst continued to build upon its history of excellence in legal representation. In the fall of 2024, Attorney Robert A. Wessels, III set about to carve a new path into the future for the firm. He is committed to expanding upon Richard Kennedy, Dean Black, and D. Todd Wulfhorst’s solid reputation for providing high quality legal services in a broad range of substantive areas.
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Trusts, Wills, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Wills
Wills and estate planning are critical because they ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Making preparations ahead of time can help prevent legal disputes and provide financial security for your loved ones, as well as establish healthcare directives, giving you control over important decisions even if you become incapacitated.
Especially important for young families, estate planning allows you to designate guardians for minor children so they are cared for by someone you trust, and their financial well-being is secured.
Proper planning can reduce stress and confusion for your family during a difficult time.
Estate Administration
We are here to help make the Estate Administration process as streamlined as possible. The complications of dealing with an Estate can be daunting. Let us assist you, so your family can focus on grieving and loved ones.
The estate administration process involves managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets according to their will or state laws if no will exists. It typically includes the following steps:
- Filing the Will & Probate – The executor submits the will to the court for validation (probate) or follows North Carolina intestacy laws if there’s no will.
- Identifying Assets & Debts – The executor locates and secures the deceased’s assets while identifying outstanding debts and liabilities.
- Paying Debts – Any outstanding debts, claims, funeral expenses, etc. must be paid from the estate.
- Distributing Assets – Once debts are settled, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries as outlined in the will or according to state law.
- Closing the Estate – After all obligations are met, the executor files final documents with the court, officially closing the estate.
Robert A. Wessels, III
Mr. Wessels has lived the majority of his life in western North Carolina, and grew up in Hickory in Catawba County. Upon graduating from St. Stephens High School, Mr. Wessels pursued his undergraduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2011. Throughout his life, Mr. Wessels has believed in service to others and his community. During High School and college, Rob developed a keen interest in the law, and sought to serve his community while pursuing his passion. Soon after completing his undergraduate degree, Mr. Wessels began his law studies at the University of South Carolina alongside his brother who was pursuing an engineering degree.
In 2015, Mr. Wessels started practicing law in North Carolina and began working as an associate with J. Steven Brackett in Hickory. During this time, Mr. Wessels gained invaluable litigation experience in many areas of the law.
In February of 2018, Mr. Wessels began working with Todd Wulfhorst of Kennedy & Wulfhorst in Denver, NC. In October of 2024, Mr. Wessels formed the Wessels Law Office, and is proud to continue working alongside Mr. Wulfhorst. Mr. Wessels is a member of the Sherrills Ford-Terrell Rotary Club, and enjoys volunteering his time to help the local community. Mr. Wessels lives in Hickory with his wife, Claire, and their two children. He is also a member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Hickory and serves on the Vestry.
D. Todd Wulfhorst
Mr. Wulfhorst was raised in Denver, North Carolina and received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in 1989. He received his J.D. degree from the University of North Carolina in 1992. He began the practice of law in Denver in 1992 with the Jonas Law Firm and became a partner in 1996. He left the Jonas Law Firm in January, 2000 and joined Kennedy & Wulfhorst, PA (formerly Kennedy & Black, PA). With the opening of the Wessels Law Office in October of 2024, Mr. Wulfhorst is continuing to serve the legal needs of the Denver-Lake Norman community alongside Mr. Wessels.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Piedmont Council BSA.
Mr. Wulfhorst currently serves as attorney for the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Airport Authority. He is a member of Unity Presbyterian Church, Denver. Mr. Wulfhorst resides in Denver with his wife, Catherine.
K. Dean Black
Of Counsel
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Planning ahead for the Future
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Wessels Law Office 