Estate Planning & Administration

When Virginia residents begin to tackle the important task of estate planning, they come to it from different perspectives. Many have already completed quite a bit of research into the various options that are available to consider in the estate planning process. Some...

Readers of this blog have heard of the probate process because it is part of the estate administration process. And, this post will give an overview and why it should be avoided whenever possible in the 81 corridor. First, the term, “probate” refers to the judicial...

In Virginia, estate planning is a fundamental aspect of being fully prepared for the future. Having a will details how a person’s property will be distributed and serves other important needs. However, a will might need to be updated from the time it is written and...

Pet owners in Shenandoah Valley love their animal companions and view them as members of the family, so it may be distressing to learn your pet will be considered personal property rather than a family member with inheritance rights should you die. It is important to...

Everyone should have an estate plan because an estate plan can protect the interests of the estate planners and can also protect their family and ensure they are cared for. Estate planners should know about the different estate planning tools that can help them...

As your parents age, caring for their financial wellness is often just as important as looking after their physical and emotional well-being. Establishing a trust can prevent the loss of money via fraud and dishonest individuals from draining your elderly parents'...

Estate plans take time to design. A common misconception about estate planning is that it is a one-time deal. Contrarily, it is an ongoing process that people will revisit and modify throughout their life. While having a strategic plan for the future is an excellent...

After your death, your loved ones may have to navigate a probate process that involves proving your will and administering your estate. In Virginia, the probate process may prove long, complex and costly, but there are certain estate planning steps you may be able to...

Mortality is a reality, but your family legacy can live on. Mom and dad have worked hard to provide for your family, and as they are aging, perhaps you have considered walking them through estate planning to protect their wealth. As you prepare and seek professional...

Fiduciary duty is a term applied to you when someone designates you as the trustee of his or her trust or as the executor of his or her will, and therefore the administrator of his or her estate when (s)he dies. FindLaw explains that, in essence, “fiduciary duty”...