Estate planning goes far beyond writing a will. Creating a thorough estate plan means going through all your belongings and making the transfer of your belongings and accounts go smoothly. It is the best way to ensure that others follow your wishes after death....
Northern Virginia Law Blog
Isolated seniors may be vulnerable to undue influence
Creating a comprehensive estate plan is one of the more effective ways to maintain control over what happens to a person's assets after he or she dies. Nowadays, though, many estate plans also deal with end-of-life matters, such as critical care decision-making,...
Creating a succession plan for your small business
It is a proactive and prudent responsibility to set in place a written plan of succession for your business. Many small businesses go under after the death of the original owner because there was no clear plan in place. Business agreements are separate from the will...
How are revocable and irrevocable living trusts different?
There are multitudes of ways to organize your estate, and trusts are a powerful component of that. There are many things that trusts can do that wills cannot, and most estate planners benefit from making use of trusts. The two varieties of a living trust are revocable...
4 easy ways to start estate planning
Estate planning can seem like a daunting or depressing task. However, without proper planning, you will not have a say in how the state divides your assets. If the process seems difficult, make small, simple steps to at least cover the basics of estate planning. 1....
What things cannot go in a will?
Putting together a will is an important first step when you create your estate plan. This document allows you to dictate how to distribute your personal property after your death. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 46% of Americans have created a will. If you...
When is it time to update your estate plan?
How to choose a power of attorney
A Power of Attorney plays a very important role in your estate planning. The person you designate must act in your best interests and can make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. Choosing the right person for this role can be difficult. This...
Important estate planning documents other than your will
There is a lot more to estate planning than writing out your last will and testament. If you want to ensure your heirs can follow out your wishes in the quickest and most effective manner after your passing, you will need to provide as much detail about your estate as...
When do federal estate taxes apply?
Whether you have already set up an estate plan or you find yourself in the early stages of the estate planning process, it is pivotal to take a look at estate taxes if you have significant assets. In fact, federal estate taxes could apply, depending on the value of...


