Estate Planning

A life insurance policy can be a very significant gift to give to the next generation. You may have purchased a policy that will make up the bulk of their inheritance, leaving them significant financial assets. When you pass away, you know that the life insurance plan...

An estate plan can be used for many different things that will likely happen near the end of your life. For instance, your estate plan could include a living will or a medical power of attorney, determining how medical decisions should be made if you are...

Adapting to life in a blended family is a challenge for everyone. Parents who have focused primarily on their own children have to learn how to support their stepchildren. The children have to learn to live with more people in the household. The process of adjusting...

Thinking about what will happen next after you're gone isn’t easy, but it's necessary. Very soon you’ll find that one of the most important decisions in estate planning is choosing someone to carry out your wishes. Whether it’s managing your will or overseeing a...

Estate plans allow testators to provide for their dependents. They can also ensure that assets with emotional value transfer to the people closest to them. For some people, charitable giving may be an important aspect of their intended legacy. They may want to help...

Becoming a parent changes everything and brings new experiences. With parenthood comes joy, sleepless nights and a deep sense of responsibility. In the middle of this life shift, estate planning may be the last thing on your mind, but it should not be. If you have...

If you’ve learned that a recently deceased loved one left you far more assets (money, property or something else of significant value) than you were expecting, it’s not uncommon to feel what’s called “inheritor’s guilt.” This can happen with inheritances in the...

When your child heads off to college, you're likely focused on tuition bills, dorm shopping and emotional goodbyes. However, what you may not realize is that Virginia law now recognizes them as a legal adult, meaning you no longer have automatic authority over their...

One of the most important decisions that’s made during the estate planning process is determining who’s going to receive which assets. Some of these assets might include bank accounts, such as checking and savings accounts.  Totten trusts, which are a type of...

Wills and other estate planning documents typically do not expire. They retain their legal authority until the testator modifies their documents or replaces them with new legal instruments. There are many different experiences that may necessitate the review of estate...