Blog
What are a Trustee’s Responsibilities?
If you are using a trust as part of your estate plan, it is crucial that you choose a trustee who will be the right person to handle your trust after you pass. You are giving this person access to your assets and a lot of influence in how things unfold after your...
Should I Use a Trust or a POD Account?
There are many tools you can use to distribute your assets when you pass. Two of the most common options are trusts and payable on death (POD) accounts. Both of these tools allow you to transfer assets to your beneficiaries without going through probate. However, if...
Virginia Intestate Laws
What does intestate mean? “Intestate” is the legal term for someone who dies without a valid will or some other type of estate plan. If you die intestate, your state’s default rules for how your assets should be distributed are applied to your estate. Who administers...
Inheritance Laws in Virginia
Inheritance laws can differ from state to state, so you should consult an estate attorney in your state of residence as you decide how to arrange and distribute your assets. Inheritance laws in Virginia are applied differently from situation to situation, depending on...
Last Will and Testament FAQ
The following list offers brief answers to the most common questions we receive about Last Will and Testaments. Specifically, these answers apply to a Last Will and Testament in either Virginia or West Virginia. Take a look if you are considering creating your own...
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Many people create their estate planning documents, then stick them in a desk drawer or safe and forget about them for years. Unfortunately, because of changing laws and life circumstances, estate planning is not one-and-done once you have your will or trust and other...
How to Plan for Incapacity
According to the National Institute on Aging, “approximately 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 60% have at least two chronic conditions.” Sadly, many people may plan for their assets and their beneficiaries, but they do not plan for...
What Happens to My Pet if I Die?
What Happens to My Pet if I Die? – A Question Many Aging Adults Face Many people wonder what will happen to their pet if they die. This is particularly a problem for aging adults who are single, or whose spouse is incapable of caring for their pet on their own. If you...
Where to Keep Your Estate Planning Documents
Once you’ve created your end-of-life plan, where should you keep your estate planning documents so that they are accessible when you or your family needs them? In Virginia and West Virginia, there is no legally mandated place or way of storing your documents that you...