As a beneficiary of someone’s will in Virginia, you might wonder how long it will take to settle the estate so that you can receive your inheritance. Knowing the duration sets your expectations and helps you plan accordingly. The answer to your question depends on a...
Estate Planning
How to amend your estate plan when you divorce
If you already have an estate plan – even just a will – in place when you decide to divorce, you’re ahead of most people. While you may not want to deal with more legal matters than you already are, it’s important to know what changes you’ll need to make to your...
Adding joint owners isn’t always the best way to avoid probate
One way to allow specific assets to pass directly to your intended beneficiaries after you pass away without going through probate is to establish joint ownership if you don’t already own an asset jointly. This is particularly crucial when someone is widowed, divorced...
What factors should you consider when choosing an executor?
When creating a will, the person you choose to act as executor will be responsible for managing your estate and ensuring your wishes are fulfilled when the time comes. As such, you need to appoint someone well-suited to handle the complexities of the probate process...
Can you stop someone from wasting their inheritance?
It’s no secret that some people will waste their inheritance. You may have spent decades saving money that you want to pass on to your grandchildren or your own adult children. But you’re concerned that the money is just going to pay down their extensive debt or that...
Why you need a will, power of attorney and advanced directive
Written by attorney Jesse Baez My aunt is fighting for her life right now against COVID-19 with the help of a ventilator, sedation, and non-stop medical care in the ICU. Unfortunately, doctors are unsure of her prognosis. Her entire situation highlights the importance...
What should I do if my family member becomes incapacitated and they do not have any estate planning?
It’s a common piece of advice that financial planners and attorneys always give their clients: make sure you have your estate planning in place. In Virginia, this usually includes a will, power of attorney, and an advance medical directive. These documents,...