How Long to File a Claim Against an Estate?
Clock watching is never fun, yet it becomes vital when someone passes away and bills remain unpaid. In Virginia, the window for filing a claim against a deceased person’s estate can stretch or shrink, depending on moves made by the personal representative and the type of debt in question. At Commonwealth
Inventorying an Estate: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Sorting through a loved one’s property feels heavy, and the paperwork can pile up fast. In that whirlwind, creating a solid inventory often gets rushed, which is where problems start. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, our husband-and-wife team, Michael and Lelia Winget-Hernandez, helps Central Virginia families with probate and
Elder Law vs. Estate Planning: Protecting Your Assets and Well-Being in Virginia
Wondering how to protect what you’ve built while planning for the future? It’s easy to delay, but having a plan now can ease future stress. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel in Central Virginia, we help with estate planning, elder law, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and long-term care. This blog
Do IRAs Pass Through Probate?
When planning for the future, understanding how your assets will be distributed after your passing is a big part of ensuring your wishes are honored. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, we often hear questions about Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and whether they need to go through probate. As estate planning
Simplifying Probate in Virginia: The Small Estate Affidavit
Probate can feel like a maze of rules and paperwork, adding stress to an already difficult time. Thankfully, Virginia offers a way to simplify the process for smaller estates: the Small Estate Affidavit. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel, we’ve helped many families in Central Virginia find solutions for probate concerns,
What Does a Virginia Estate Planning Attorney Do?
Many people find estate planning to be a daunting prospect. Preparing for the end of life can evoke complex emotions and questions. However, at Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel in Central Virginia, we believe that with the right guidance, this process can be a reaffirming step forward as you secure
How Can I Protect My Assets From Taxes And Other Liabilities In Virginia?
In Central Virginia, effective asset protection begins with a clear understanding of the state's tax landscape. While Virginia offers a relatively stable tax environment, knowing the specifics helps plan ahead. Taxes such as estate tax, inheritance tax, and others can significantly affect your financial legacy. Understanding these taxes and how
What Happens To My Debts When I Pass Away In Virginia?
The world of estate planning and elder law can sometimes feel like a complex journey, especially when it comes to understanding what happens to your debts after you pass away in Virginia. It's a common concern among many in Central Virginia, and it's important to address this issue with clarity.
What is Estate Planning, and Why is it Necessary for Central Virginia Residents?
For many people in Central Virginia, estate planning seems like a task they can leave for another day. With work, family, and daily responsibilities taking center stage, it is easy to put off considering what will happen to assets after you pass away. However, the value and peace of mind that
Essential Considerations in Estate Planning for Residents in Virginia
The rolling hills and historic charm of central Virginia are both beautiful and complex, and that can provide a great analogy for the process of estate planning in our region. To navigate the winding roads ahead–both literally and figuratively–you need foresight, planning, and a touch of local knowledge. Every Virginian,