Just as no one can predict death, no deceased individual could have anticipated leaving debts that their estate’s assets would not be able to cover. As unfortunate as it is for creditors and heirs, it is only realistic for the law to have the estate pay what it can to...
Estate Planning
How to divide family heirlooms in your will
Family heirlooms hold not just monetary value, but also sentimental worth that can bind generations together – or tear them apart, if the recipients of those heirlooms can’t agree on how such items are to be handled. Deciding how to distribute family heirlooms in your...
2 reasons to start estate planning earlier
You can draft estate planning documents at any age, provided you are above 18 years and are of sound mind. It’s a common misconception that estate planning is only for the elderly or the gravely ill. But, starting your estate plan early in adulthood can provide...
How undue influence can be grounds for a will challenge
Will challenges are unusual in Virginia probate proceedings, but they do happen sometimes. One allowed reason to claim a will submitted in the decedent's name is invalid is known as "undue influence." Like any other legal document, the party signing their will must...
What happens if you die without a will in Virginia?
Having a properly executed will can give you peace of mind in knowing that your assets will pass down to the people you love according to your wishes when you die. This estate planning document specifies how you wish to have your estate preserved, managed and...
4 estate planning documents everyone should consider
Estate planning is not just for the rich. You need an estate plan if you have investments, assets or anything of value. In addition, an estate plan is crucial if you have people who depend on you. It doesn’t matter how much you have; having an estate plan will help...
How do you change your estate executor?
Once you decided it was finally time to stop putting off estate planning, you faced many considerations. For example, you had to determine what documents to include, how to address possible probate issues and whom to choose as an executor for your estate. You probably...
Why create a living will?
Drafting a living will – also known as an advance healthcare directive – is a crucial step in helping to ensure that your medical wishes are respected and honored if you are unable to communicate them due to incapacity caused by illness or injury. A living will can...
3 tips to prevent a contested will
Creating a will is a responsible step to ensure your wishes are fulfilled after you pass away. Unfortunately, around 46% of U.S. adults still do not have a will in place. Unfortunately, even if you create a will, there are situations where someone in your family may...
Should you name an alternate executor for your will?
When creating a will, you need to name an executor who will ensure your wishes are fulfilled. In addition to this, the executor handles other duties, from paying off debts to managing property before distribution. You can name one or more executors (co-executors)....
