Estate Planning

A simple will often fails to protect your family from every legal hurdle. Many Virginia families rely solely on this document, only to find it leaves significant gaps. Because a will only functions after you die, it cannot help you during a medical crisis or sudden...

Many people procrastinate when it comes to estate planning. Some of them wind up dying intestate, meaning they pass away before they have actually made a plan. Others try to draft a will on their own, which may mean that it is not valid or binding when their family...

Debts and taxes can negatively impact an individual's legacy. A personal representative administering an estate generally needs to officially notify creditors of upcoming estate administration. They also have an obligation to file any necessary tax returns on behalf...

Many people delay estate planning because it feels premature. In legal terms, that delay can leave key decisions to state law, court processes and family disagreement. A basic plan clarifies who receives property, who manages it and who makes decisions if you cannot....

Most adults are probably aware that they need to have an estate plan in place, but some don’t realize that the plan should include digital assets. These are assets that are found online and can include things like emails, cloud storage, social media, subscription...

Estate plans can help individuals prepare for incapacity. Medical emergencies that may follow car crashes or sudden events, such as strokes, often leave people unable to manage their affairs. Estate planning paperwork can nominate a health care agent to oversee a...

Everyone wants to ensure their estate passes on smoothly to loved ones without unnecessary complications or delays. For many families, this means avoiding probate, the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets. One of the downsides of...

Adults who have estate plans on record have more protection than the average person. It is far more common than people may realize for otherwise responsible adults to fail to draft wills and other critical documents. Many people who have estate plans created their...

If you’re one of the many current and retired federal employees and retirees living in Virginia, it’s crucial to know how the assets in your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are handled after you’re gone.  As with other retirement accounts, you should have designated one or...

Estate planning is not only for later life or high-wealth families. It is a practical step for anyone who wants clarity, control and peace of mind about the future. Without a plan, decisions may be left to courts or default rules that do not reflect your wishes....