The Role of an Executor in Virginia Estates
After the death of a loved one, while everyone is caught up in family dynamics and deep emotions of loss, one person has to step forward and manage legal responsibilities. That person is the executor of the deceased person’s estate. The executor has a critical and often challenging role to play
Understanding Virginia Intestacy Laws
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s for anyone who wants to have a say in how their assets will be distributed after they pass away. If you die without a will in Virginia, you leave the division of your assets up to the Commonwealth's
The Problems with Online Will Creation in Virginia
In today's digital age, there's an increasing shift toward online services, from banking to shopping and even healthcare. Estate planning isn't immune to this trend. Online will creation services in Virginia and across the United States are becoming more prevalent, offering a quick and cost-effective way to draft a last
Does a Spouse Automatically Inherit Everything in Virginia?
When a person passes away without a valid will in Virginia, their assets are distributed based on the state's intestacy laws. These laws are essentially Virginia's way of determining who gets what if you haven't specified it in a will. Generally, your closest relatives will inherit your estate, but how
Virginia Survivorship Laws
The rights and rules of survivorship are factors many people fail to take into account when they are considering a will or making other plans for the future of their assets. It is important to understand how survivorship rights can affect your property. Whether your estate plans center around a will
How Do I Include My Charitable Giving Wishes In My Estate Plan In Virginia?
Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan is a noble way to leave a lasting impact on causes close to your heart. In Virginia, there are various ways to include charitable contributions in your estate plan, allowing you to support your favorite charities both during your lifetime and after your
What Steps Should I Take To Avoid Probate in Virginia?
Virginia probate is a legal process instituted after someone's death. During probate, the person’s will is authenticated, their debts settled, and their assets distributed under court supervision. This process can be lengthy and costly, prompting many people to seek strategies for probate avoidance in their estate planning. Fortunately, estate planning attorneys
The Advantages of Setting Up a Trust in Virginia
Estate planning is not just about distributing assets; it's about ensuring your legacy and supporting your survivors in the wake of your incapacitation or death. Unfortunately, it is a crucial task that is frequently overlooked or postponed, often resulting in family members navigating intricate legal matters and potential disagreements. As
Protecting Your Estate Plan from Potential Contests: An Essential Guide
Estate planning is an invaluable process for securing your family’s future and ensuring your legacy is managed as you intend. However, a poorly structured estate plan can be susceptible to challenges and contests after you're gone. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel in Central Virginia, we're dedicated to helping you
Contesting a Trust in Virginia: Know Your Rights and Options
Contesting a trust is a complex process, but it is not an uncommon occurrence. It's a situation many people in Virginia find themselves in, either because they believe they've been unjustly omitted or because they suspect foul play in the formation of the trust. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel,