It's not uncommon for people to put off making a will. They wait until they are older to draft one, which can be risky, as anything can happen at any time. So, if having a will is significantly advantageous, why do some people postpone it? Here are three common...
Simple Wills
3 common estate planning mistakes
If you’ve decided that this is the year you will create an estate plan, then kudos to you. An estate plan provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected. Unfortunately, there are many pitfalls when it comes to creating...
High school graduates: You need a simple will
Graduating high school is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of independence and adulthood. While most young adults focus on college plans, career goals and newfound freedom after high school, one important task often gets overlooked: creating a simple...
Four ways to avoid a challenge to a simple will
A simple will can be a great way to kickstart your estate plan and ensure that your assets are protected and set for distribution as you see fit. While the hope is that the process of creating this document will be straightforward, you have to take a holistic view of...
When is it appropriate to draft a codicil instead of a new will?
If you've taken the critical step of drafting your will, congratulations! You're ahead of the game and have taken a crucial step in securing your estate and loved ones. But here's the thing: creating a will might not be a one-and-done task. Life often throws...
Do Virginia courts always honor extremely old wills?
In Virginia, the legal system places significant importance on honoring the intentions of deceased individuals as expressed in their wills. Whether the court will follow an old will depends on various factors, including the will’s validity and adherence to current...
College students: Why you need to draft a simple will
Estate planning might not be the first thing on your mind as a college student, but it’s an effort worth making. It can serve as an important step in clarifying your wishes, so that they will be respected should anything happen to you. While it’s easy to assume that...
What mistakes should you avoid when making your will?
Wills are legally accepted documents that outline how a person's assets and affairs should be handled after their death. In Virginia, you can make your own will, should you wish, but it is important to avoid common mistakes to ensure it is valid and enforceable....
Why you should discuss your estate plan with your family
There is a misconception that we should keep our wills and other estate planning documents a secret from our family. This idea likely comes from movies and television. In reality, there are several good reasons to sit down with your loved ones and review all your...
Mirror wills versus mutual wills for couples: What to know
A lot of couples want very simple wills. They simply want their surviving spouse to inherit everything, and for their adult children to inherit whatever is left when the surviving spouse eventually passes. Two common options for couples in this situation are mirror...
