Pets often serve as cherished companions who bring joy to everyday life. Naturally, you may wonder who will care for them if you can no longer do so. Preparing for the future means thinking about every member of your household, including those with paws, fur or...
Simple Wills
Why married couples should have separate wills
Many long-married couples assume that they only need one joint will if they plan for the longer-surviving spouse to inherit everything and then, when both are gone, leave everything to their children or maybe a favorite charity. In fact, joint wills are rarely used...
What happens if a beneficiary dies before you do?
You may create a will and assume that covers everything. But families change over time, and a person you once expected to inherit property may pass away before you. When that happens, questions can arise about who will receive that property instead. This situation...
Can a will be ignored?
When someone creates a will, it often feels like the final word: clear, intentional and binding. Families expect it to provide direction and help avoid confusion during an already difficult time. But reality can be more complicated. Even the most straightforward will...
What adult children often misunderstand about a parent’s will
You may be the one stepping in to help your parent with paperwork and decisions as they get older, or you may live farther away and assume things are already in place. You might also fall somewhere in between, relying on what your parent has shared about their plans....
Can my child be both my executor and beneficiary in Virginia?
When you plan your estate, you naturally think of your children first. You trust them most. You want them to inherit your assets. But can the same person who receives your estate also manage it? The answer may surprise you. Virginia laws says yes Fortunately, state...
Is a notary’s stamp necessary for a simple will?
Estate planning does not need to be complicated and overwhelming. Many adults can address most of their estate planning concerns with a simple will. So long as they draft a valid testamentary instrument, they can choose who inherits their property, select their own...
What intestate succession means
Most people assume their loved ones will “just know” what to do if something happens to them. Others believe the law will step in and sort things out fairly, without much trouble. In reality, the rules that apply when someone dies without a will are rigid and...
When should you update a will?
One of the major mistakes people make with their will is failing to update it. People should consider updating their estate plan every three to five years. This is typically the amount of time it takes for people to build up the value of their estate. Estate planning...
3 commonly asked questions about wills in Virginia
A final will and testament is an important estate planning document that every adult should have. By creating one, you help ensure that your property and assets can be passed down to your loved ones the exact way that you want them to receive it. In this blog, we will...
