Andrew Atherton

Andrew D. Atherton is a seasoned attorney with a focus on Elder and Special Needs Law at McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A. His expertise includes crafting comprehensive estate plans, assisting with estate administration and probate, and advising on the financial aspects of long-term care. He is well-versed in Veterans Administration Benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, guardianship, and Special Needs Trusts.

Mr. Atherton's legal journey began with a clerkship at the Kentucky Supreme Court. He holds a degree in Business Economics from Western Kentucky University and a law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. He is admitted to practice law in both Kentucky and North Carolina.

Andrew is the immediate past Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association, Elder and Special Needs Law Section. He is actively involved with the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's Professional Advisory Committee, Land of Sky Estate Planning Council, the 28th Judicial District Bar, Kentucky Bar Association, North Carolina State Bar, Estate Planning & Fiduciary Section, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Atherton has shared his knowledge as an instructor for the National Business Institute, the North Carolina Bar Association, UNC Asheville Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and North Carolina NAELA. His teaching topics include Special Needs Trusts, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, and Medicaid.