An estate plan is a valuable way to ensure that future generations will benefit from your hard work and accompanying wealth. However, an out-of-date estate plan can complicate your final wishes. Here are three situations that warrant an update to your estate plan. 1....
Northern Virginia Law Blog
What is a codicil?
Your wishes may change over the years, which means your will may change as well. There are several ways to update your will including making a whole new will to replace the old one or going through the process of altering your current will. Another method is to make a...
Estate planning: how to prepare for your death
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....
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...