Signs of Lacking Testamentary Capacity & Legal Safeguards
Drafting a will sounds simple, yet capacity challenges can upend even the best‐laid plans. Families often learn after a loved one’s passing that someone is questioning whether the signer understood the document. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, we focus on estate planning, elder law, wills, and trusts for Central Virginians
Do Executors Need a Surety Bond? What Courts Expect
Confusion about surety bonds often hits a newly named executor at the worst possible time. Many people walk into the clerk’s office with a death certificate and leave with a stack of unfamiliar forms. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, our team guides Central Virginia families through that first maze of
The New Rules for Trusts as IRA Beneficiaries: A SECURE Act 2 Deep Dive
Inherited IRAs used to feel simple, then the SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0 changed the ground rules. If you name a trust on your IRA, the payout schedule and taxes can look very different from what you remember. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, a Central Virginia firm focused on
What Happens to Your Assets After You’re Gone? Secure Your Legacy Today
If something happened to you tomorrow, who would receive your home, your savings, or even the contents of your garage? These aren’t easy questions, but they matter—especially if you want to make sure your wishes are followed. Without a clear plan, the Commonwealth decides for you. Let’s take a closer look
ABLE Account vs. Special Needs Trust: Which Is Best for Your Loved One?
Planning for a loved one with special needs involves balancing care, financial stability, and long-term eligibility for benefits like Medicaid. Two common tools—ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts—offer different advantages, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, we help families across Central Virginia create
Business Succession Planning: How to Protect Your Company’s Future in Virginia
Have you ever found yourself thinking about what might happen to your business if you suddenly stepped away? We often focus on day-to-day issues, but looking forward can be just as vital. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, we help individuals and families in Virginia address estate planning concerns, including passing
Virginia Probate: Assets That Bypass the Process
Have you ever come across stories of loved ones facing delays and worries in settling a departed family member’s estate? Probate can feel like a puzzle at a time when folks are already grappling with loss. We at Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, located in Central Virginia, understand that clarity matters.
Do You Have a Will? Why It’s Essential for Everyone
Many people in Central Virginia put off creating a will, assuming it’s only for those with significant wealth or for the elderly. The reality is that a will isn’t just about money, it’s about making sure your wishes are honored, and appointing someone to handle the probate who can do
What Is A Trust In Virginia?
When it comes to estate planning, creating a trust can be a pivotal step toward securing your family's future. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel in Central Virginia, we often address many questions and concerns from our clients about what trusts are and how they can be beneficial. Trusts often seem
Estate Lawyer Virginia
Embarking on the journey of estate planning is a pivotal step in safeguarding your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are cared for in your absence. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel in Central Virginia, we understand the nuances of creating a comprehensive estate plan that aligns with your wishes