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One tragic act can turn an estate plan upside down. Imagine a spouse named as the main beneficiary, then accused of causing the other spouse’s death. Families may wonder who inherits next, and the answer often turns on Virginia’s slayer statute. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, husband-and-wife attorneys Michael Winget-Hernandez

Starting an estate plan can feel overwhelming, especially when life already keeps you busy. A little preparation before you meet with a lawyer can turn that uncertainty into meaningful progress. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, husband-and-wife attorneys Michael Winget-Hernandez and Lelia Winget-Hernandez help Central Virginia families with wills, trusts, powers

Serving as a personal representative involves paying final bills, collecting assets, and closing the estate in a timely and orderly manner. Creditor letters and invoices can pile up quickly, and Virginia’s rules may feel technical. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, husband-and-wife attorneys Michael Winget-Hernandez and Lelia Winget-Hernandez help Central Virginia

Creating a living trust is a smart move, but many plans fall short because one critical step is missed. A trust only works if assets are properly transferred into it. If accounts, property, or beneficiary designations stay outside the trust, the plan may not function as intended. At Commonwealth Life and

Grief hits hard, and the paperwork that follows can feel like a second wave. If you have been named to handle a loved one’s estate, you are not alone in feeling unsure where to start. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, Michael and Lelia Winget-Hernandez lead a Central Virginia team that

Estate planning can evoke strong emotions, and the legal steps can feel overwhelming. Questions often arise about how to maintain family peace while still protecting your interests. One tool people ask about is the no-contest clause, and whether it truly holds up when tested. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, we

Buying a home with a spouse, partner, or sibling is exciting, but the title you choose can shape what happens to that property later. Are you trying to keep things simple for your heirs, or do you want flexibility if one owner needs to sell their share? At Commonwealth Life

The Best Gift Isn’t Under the Tree As November settles across Powhatan, we notice familiar signs of the season. Local shops begin decorating, families prepare favorite dishes, and the community starts to lean into the rhythm of upcoming gatherings. These moments often remind us of the people seated at our tables and the

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month: Are You Prepared? As the weather cools and autumn settles in, October brings more than colorful leaves and cozy evenings. It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a meaningful time to reflect on your family’s future and the steps you can take to protect what

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