Virginia imposes very strict rules on the creation of a will or estate plan. When you create a will specifically, you will need two competent adult witnesses.  If you do not have witnesses present when you sign your will, then the Virginia probate courts may not...

Estate planning is important because it enables you to provide instructions for your assets after you pass away. It also allows you to set instructions for your end-of-life care. It’s important that you take this plan seriously so you can get everything in order....

You don’t have a lot of money or assets, so you figure a simple will is all you really need. You’re thinking it’s just as easy (and a lot cheaper) to get a do-it-yourself version online. Think again. The internet is a great tool, and there are a lot of things you...

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, even if you do not have a complex situation. You know there are rules to follow, but it can be challenging to know when they apply. Holographic wills tend to be an area where a blend of old and new guidelines combine with fiction...

A simple will may be the best option to distribute your estate after you pass, but simple mistakes could cause unnecessary complications for your beneficiaries. As you prepare this essential legal document, avoid these three common mistakes. 1. Neglecting to create...

Millions of Americans have no estate plan in place. Many people believe that estate planning does not matter unless the person is older or is very wealthy. However, all adult Americans can benefit from having a will. The most simple variety of will is a “simple will,”...

An estate plan not only protects your assets. It can also spare your family a great burden after you are gone. Accordingly, all people should have estate plans in place, regardless of age or level of wealth. According to Kiplinger, you must also take steps to avoid...

If you think you are “too young” or “too poor” to have a will, you may wish to revise your thinking. Why? Because if you die in Virginia without a will, the state, not you, will determine who inherits from you and in what proportions. The Virginia State Bar counsels...

When you die, the court may not recognize your wishes if they do not appear in a valid will. Each state has different laws about what makes a person's will valid. As you begin the estate planning process, review the requirements for a legal will in Virginia, even if...

Your relationships, financial situation and other factors may change after creating a will in Virginia. Just because a certain inheritance or estate planning decision made sense at the time you created your will does not mean that you are stuck with it. Changing your...