It is almost impossible to completely avoid probate in Virginia, but you can reduce the number of assets that need to go through probate. Many people have a very negative view when it comes to probate. It may stem from…
Even though you may feel that you don’t have an “estate,” it’s clear that everyone needs estate planning. And though you may be young and healthy, and not really thinking about your mortality, this is the time to “get your…
Being a single parent has added responsibilities, including making sure that your minor children are taken care of in the event you no longer are there. What would happen to your children if you died, or became incapacitated and could…
You may have gotten married or divorced, blended a family, gotten your dream job, bought a house or started a new business, even had twins. You own assets now, and you have people that depend on you and for…
Your divorce is final, assets have been divided, custody, child support, and spousal support have been determined, and now it’s time to move forward with your life. But though your divorce is final, you’re not quite done yet. The…
The Internet has made it very easy to find answers and instructions on just about anything, including how to create a do-it-yourself (DIY) estate plan. There are websites and software packages, along with DIY estate planning books and kits that…
You’ve remarried, and now not only have a new spouse, you also have a new, blended, extended family, including stepchildren. While there can be much joy involved in a second marriage and having a blended family, along with some normal…
Thanks to technology and medical research, more and more children with special needs are living productive lives well into adulthood, making it more and more likely now that they will outlive their parents. As a result, parents must plan for…
According to a Forbes article, at least 51 percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 don’t have a will. That number is even higher among those younger than 55, at 62 percent. Perhaps one big reason that…
Your will and other estate planning documents should be reviewed when you have a life changing event, like the birth of a child. But even without big life changes, it’s best to occasionally review your documents as circumstances change and…