Creating an estate plan might seem like a task for the elderly, but it offers numerous advantages for anyone, regardless of age or wealth. In Virginia, an estate plan can do more than just distribute your high-value assets after you pass away. Here are three other,...
The arrival of a new year often brings a sense of renewal and an opportunity to reflect on personal and financial goals. At the top of most people’s minds are resolutions to improve health, enhance careers or strengthen relationships. During this season of renewal,...
If you’re worried about your will or other aspects of your estate plan being challenged, then you should be proactive in heading off those arguments. Figuring out how to do that can be difficult, but with a little foresight and legal know-how you can better protect...
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are legal contracts that specify how marital assets will be managed if the marriage ends in divorce. Both address the division of financial assets, provisions for alimony and retirement benefits. The primary distinction between...
A fiduciary is someone who has been placed in a position of trust. In estate planning, this usually means managing assets. Below is a brief overview of some of the key fiduciaries in estate planning. The executor The executor of the estate is a fiduciary that has...
Every patient, including those advanced in age, retains the right to decline medical treatment and interventions if they choose to. One of the ways this is achieved is by getting a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR). Essentially, a DNR is an order that specifically...
Some people take legal action to contest a will in probate court when someone close to them dies. There are a few reasons why people may take issue with an estate plan. In some cases, a testator might have included inappropriate terms that make the will they drafted...
As parents grow older, they may need help managing their affairs—whether financial, medical or legal. When they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves, guardianship becomes a critical responsibility. Becoming a guardian is both a legal process and a...
A springing power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to act on your behalf under certain conditions. Unlike a general POA, which becomes effective immediately upon signing, a springing POA only takes effect when specific...
It can be difficult to talk with your parents about their estate plan. You may want to know what the plan says, or you may be curious if they have even made a plan at all. But it can be an uncomfortable conversation. You don’t want your parents to think you’re just...
