What is a Special Needs Trust? Learn About Its Benefits
Caring for a loved one with special needs often raises an important question—how will they be cared for when we are no longer here? We hear this question often, and the good news is that there are practical ways to prepare. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel, we help families create
Trust vs. Will: Which Document Takes Precedence Over Your Estate?
Have you ever thought about what might happen to your savings or house if you passed on? We often hear that a will is the core of a plan, yet a trust can also play a huge role. It can be puzzling to figure out which one truly rules when
Transfer on Death Deed or Trust in Virginia: Which Is Right for You?
At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel, estate planning is about more than managing assets—it’s about providing peace of mind. In Virginia, two common tools for estate planning are Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds and trusts, both designed to help your assets avoid probate. By sidestepping probate, you can save your beneficiaries
What Is a Bloodline Trust and How Does It Work?
Imagine spending your life building financial security, only to see it lost to creditors, lawsuits, or even a future divorce in your family. A Bloodline Trust helps prevent that. It ensures your wealth benefits your children, grandchildren, and future descendants. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel, we help Virginia families safeguard
Obtaining Power of Attorney for an Incapacitated Person
A sudden illness, accident, or stroke can leave you unable to make decisions—but without a Power of Attorney (POA) in place, no one can automatically step in to help. Bills go unpaid, medical care gets delayed, and families face legal battles just to gain control of the situation. At Commonwealth Life &
Which Type of Trust is Right for You? Explore Your Options
Planning for the future helps protect your loved ones and ensures your wishes are carried out. Trusts provide a reliable way to manage assets, avoid probate, and maintain privacy. At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel, we assist families in understanding their options and choosing what best fits their needs. Understanding Trusts A
When Do Grandchildren Inherit in Virginia?
Planning for the future of our loved ones is a priority for many of us and ensuring that your grandchildren are well-cared for is often part of that vision. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, Michael and Lelia Winget-Hernandez have spent years guiding families in Central Virginia, through the process of
Intestate Succession Laws in Virginia: What You Need to Know
At Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel, we’ve spent years guiding families across Central Virginia in protecting their legacies. Whether it’s through wills, trusts, or other estate planning tools, our goal is to help you make the best-informed decisions for the future. Today, we’re going to look at a topic that many
Holographic Wills in Virginia: Are They Valid?
When it comes to estate planning, most of us want to ensure that our wishes are honored and our loved ones are cared for. But what happens when someone scribbles down their intentions in a handwritten document? These are known as holographic wills, and while they might seem like a
When to File Probate in Virginia: A Guide for Executors
If you have recently lost a loved one in Virginia, you might be wondering what comes next, especially when it comes to managing their estate. One of the first questions you may face is whether probate is necessary. At Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, we help families across Central Virginia—from