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...
Simple Wills
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...
What are the duties of an executor?
It's an honor if someone wishes to name you the executor of their estate after they die. That person considers you responsible and trustworthy. Still, you should take some time to think and determine if this is a role you wish to take on. The role and responsibilities...
Some things are better to address outside of your will
While a will is a cornerstone of estate planning, it is not all-encompassing. Certain things are best left out of a will to help ensure a smooth and efficient distribution of your assets. Here are several things that can be more easily addressed with other estate...
Why might someone challenge a will?
A will details how an estate should be disbursed according to the testator’s last wishes. The estate is distributed during the probate process, which happens after the executor submits the will to the probate court. The probate process can take several months to a...
Where should you store your will?
Writing a will is a huge step in planning for the future. It ensures that people who care about you will carry out your wishes regarding your assets and belongings after you die. However, simply creating a will is only the first step to securing your assets. Here are...
Why you should mention sentimental items in your will
Some people will leave sentimental items out of their will. These are items where the emotional value is greater than the financial value. For example, these could include book collections, trinkets from around the house, home furnishings, artwork and other things of...
2 things you should know about drafting a simple will
A simple will is a legal document that details an individual's wishes regarding the allocation of their assets and, usually, appoints an executor to carry out these instructions. This straightforward yet powerful legal instrument provides clarity and helps ensures...
Is a beneficiary and heir the same thing?
You have “heirs” and you can have “beneficiaries.” While these two terms are often used interchangeably to mean someone who benefits from the deceased's estate, they do not necessarily mean the same thing for legal purposes. When planning your will, it can help to...
Testamentary capacity: what is it and how is it established?
In Virginia, like all the other states, you have a right to draft your will and distribute your assets as you wish. For instance, you can choose who inherits the house and who acts as your will’s executor. However, we live in a very litigious society. Thus, for a will...
