Everyone is in a unique position with respect to their estate, not only as a result of their financial circumstances but family matters as well. For example, if one of your family members is estranged, you likely have different issues to consider with respect to your...
Paying for your funeral is probably not something you have on your mind a lot. But when it comes to estate planning, it is important to consider every checkpoint—including the immediate weeks after your death. Grieving a loved one is stressful and taking care of these...
The effects of age, as well as unexpected accidents and illnesses, may leave you unable to care or speak for yourself. In such circumstances, the responsibility of making medical-related decisions on your behalf may fall to your loved ones. Without your voice there to...
Many married couples have children that they can leave their estate to. If you don’t have any children of your own, estate planning might not seem like a priority. Still, just because you and your spouse are a childless couple does not mean you have no one to leave...
The birth of a child is one of the greatest moments in a new parent’s life. Becoming a parent brings many responsibilities to ensure the child is protected, well cared-for and loved. One step new parents in Northern Virginia should not put off in protecting their...
Our readers in Virginia know that drafting an estate plan needs to be a comprehensive effort. That means including a will, power of attorney documents, healthcare directives and potentially even a trust in most, if not all, estate plans. However, every person’s family...
Trusts are a valuable estate planning tool that may sometimes be less understood than other estate planning tools. As a consequence, estate planners should understand the different types of trusts and how they can help them. Trusts manage the property of the estate...
Your expectations for the future can drastically change at a moment’s notice. This can make it difficult and even uncomfortable to plan for the future you cannot predict. While the world is always changing, there is something that you can be comfortable knowing – your...
Knowing what it takes to make a will valid is an essential part of the estate planning process. Because of the critical role a will plays in a comprehensive estate plan, it is important that any will executed by the estate planner is valid so it can protect and honor...
Estate planning does not last forever in many cases. If you do it well before you need it, don't assume that the plan will stand the test of time. It may need to get updated. The truth is that life changes, sometimes dramatically, and your plan needs to change as...
