About Hillsborough
Wills & Trusts

From Young Adults and Families to Retirement and Elder Law, we are committed to Lifetime Legal Support

At Hillsborough Wills & Trusts, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive legal assistance at every stage of life's journey. Whether it's assisting young adults with Power of Attorney and healthcare documents, guiding young families in appointing guardians for their children, or supporting adult children in the care and protection of their aging parents, our approach is rooted in building strong, enduring relationships with each individual and family we serve.

Our mission extends beyond simple legal services; we aim to become lifelong partners in safeguarding the interests and assets of our clients. Our dedication to delivering exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail sets us apart in our field. We understand that every client's situation is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet these diverse needs. By maintaining a deep commitment to quality, we ensure that every client receives personalized, empathetic, and effective legal solutions.

Furthermore, we are staunch advocates for staying at the forefront of retirement and elder law. Our team continuously updates their expertise with the latest tools, techniques, and knowledge in asset protection and estate planning. This commitment to professional development means that our clients benefit from the most current and successful strategies available.

We believe that our role is not just to provide legal services, but to be trusted advisors and supporters through all of life's seasons. Our clients can rest assured that they have a dedicated ally to navigate the complexities of whatever comes.

Free Consultation

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Founder and Managing Attorney, Colin Austin

Colin’s approach to estate planning is rooted in public service, compassion, and a belief that strong planning today can strengthen families for generations to come.

Colin earned his law degree from Duke University School of Law in 1992 and later completed a Masters of Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, building a foundation that blends legal precision with thoughtful, forward-looking planning. His academic background also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Brigham Young University.

Colin began his legal career working with government agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on increasing financial security for people in need. That public-service background continues to guide his private practice today, where he helps individuals and families protect their resources and ensure smooth transitions.

He is deeply engaged in professional leadership and community service related to aging, estate planning, and elder advocacy. Colin currently serves on the board of the North Carolina chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is a board member of the Soltys Center, an adult day care center in Hillsborough. From 2018 to 2024, he served on the board of the Orange County Department on Aging and was a charter member of the county’s Dementia-Friendly Businesses initiative. He also served as Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association from 2021 to 2022 and has been invited by the North Carolina Bar Association to teach legal ethics to elder law attorneys.

Fluent in Spanish, Colin enjoys working with Spanish-speaking clients and is committed to providing estate planning that is accessible, thoughtful, and responsive to the real-world needs of families at every stage of life.

Education:

Master of Regional Planning, 1994
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

JD, 1992
Duke University School of Law

B.A. in Spanish, 1989
Brigham Young University

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Estate Planning Attorney, Sheyna Alterovitz

Sheyna’s estate planning approach is informed by years of experience in aging-related advocacy, allowing her to help clients plan with confidence for both present needs and future transitions.

Sheyna earned her law degree with High Honors from UNC Chapel Hill, School of Law in 2012 and began her legal career with a prestigious clerkship at the North Carolina Supreme Court. During law school, she was one of only 3 recipients nationwide to be awarded the Borchard Summer Fellowship to work at the National Senior Citizens Law Center in Washington, DC. She has served as an attorney at government agencies and nonprofit organizations helping people navigate the long-term care system and plan for successful aging.

Before becoming an attorney, Sheyna earned her Master’s degree in gerontology from San Francisco State University, where she graduated at the top of her class and received the Graduate Student Distinguished Achievement Award. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning Highest Honors in psychology and Distinction in General Scholarship. Sheyna’s interdisciplinary background gives her a comprehensive approach to estate planning that supports independence, dignity, and family stability across all stages of life.

As the mother of three young children, Sheyna is particularly passionate about helping families plan for the care, protection, and financial security of their children. She is dedicated to helping people at all stages of life develop individualized estate plans that reflect their values, relationships, and long-term goals.

Both attorneys are active members of the Elder Law and Estate Planning Sections of the North Carolina Bar Association, as well as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and ElderCounsel. Hillsborough Wills and Trusts has been recognized as a Dementia-Friendly Business by the Orange County Department of Aging.