Virginia Trusts & Estates Lawyers

Strategic Estate Planning in Virginia

The most effective way to prevent estate issues is to develop and execute an estate plan for yourself individually and/or for your business.

The foundational individual estate planning documents include:

• Last Will and Testament – only effective at death, this document mainly (1) appoints an agent, called an “Executor,” to administer your estate after death, and (2) directs the Executor in his or her administration, including distribution of assets to specific beneficiaries.
• Durable General Power of Attorney – only effective during lifetime, this document mainly appoints an agent to assist and make financial decisions concerning the person executing the document.
• Advance Medical Directive – only effective during lifetime, this document mainly (1) appoints an agent to assist and make health care decisions concerning the person executing the document, and (2) instructs those in charge of the person’s care to take certain actions in specific circumstances, including end-of-life instructions.
• Revocable Living Trust – effective both during and after the person’s lifetime, this document appoints a person, called a “Trustee,” to privately administer trust assets during and after someone’s death.

Each person’s situation varies in scope and objectives, which is why an experienced attorney is most effective in analyzing the issues and making recommendations as to which documents to utilize and the contents therein.

Virginia Trust and Estate Administration Services

When the creator of an estate plan dies or becomes incapacitated, another person, called a “fiduciary,” is often appointed to administer the trust or estate. In many cases, the person appointed is not a professional in this field, which is when contacting an experienced estates attorney and other professionals is essential for administrating an estate or trust.

Our expertise extends to fiduciaries in the administration of estates and trusts across Virginia, including: