Losing someone close to you can leave you with many questions; one of them could be about when you can settle their estate. In Virginia, probate can take different amounts of time depending on the estate and the issues involved. Knowing what can affect the timeline...
Year: 2026
The first steps to begin the probate process
Losing someone close to you can leave you dealing with grief while also facing important decisions about their estate. If you live in Annandale and need to handle a loved one’s will, property or other assets, you may not know where to begin. Knowing where to file the...
7 steps of estate planning in Virginia
Thinking about estate planning can feel heavy, but it does not have to be complicated. In Virginia, a good plan simply makes sure your things go to the people you choose and that your family is not left guessing. Here are seven simple steps to get started. List your...
Understanding the role of the commissioner of accounts
Settling an estate in Annandale involves several legal obligations that many families are not prepared for. Virginia law provides a structured process to provide oversight of fiduciaries and their administration of estate assets. At the center of that process is a...
Is it a bad idea to include a no-contest clause in a will?
A no-contest clause is not inherently bad. It can either be a bad or a good choice depending on your particular circumstances. You have to consider the pros and cons of adding it before making a decision. What is a no-contest clause? Most people include a no-contest...
Does your business succession plan need equal involvement?
When business owners are working on a succession plan, they often assume that the division should be equal between their family members. For example, say that a business owner has three adult children and is including them all in the estate plan. At the same time,...
How durable powers of attorney help to protect people
There are multiple types of powers of attorney. People need different support in a variety of unique circumstances, including support with financial matters or with medical decision-making in an emergency. For those concerned about major, long-term medical challenges,...
Should you include a no-contest clause in your will?
A no-contest clause is one of the most effective ways to discourage your family members or estate beneficiaries from wasting time and money in court by contesting your will. However, before adding one to your estate plan, it is important to understand the full...
Choosing a guardian for your minor child
Protecting minor children is one of the objectives of estate planning. If you have a minor child, it’s crucial to name a guardian who will take care of them if you are unable to because of incapacitation or death. Virginia law allows parents of a minor child to...
Estate planning disputes aren’t always about money
The classic estate plan dispute that you’ll see in TV dramas revolves around money. One party is upset that the deceased left money or a large asset like a home to someone other than them. Not all disputes are things like this. Here are some other reasons for...


