Services
Why You Need an Estate Plan
Whether you have a lot or a little, everyone has an estate. An estate plan keeps you in control so you can protect yourself and those you love. If you don’t have an estate plan, the Commonwealth of Virginia has its own plan for you…and you might not like it very much.
Why not exercise your right to choose what happens to you, your family, and your assets in the future? If something unexpected happens, who do you want in charge of your affairs? You.
Together we can create a plan that's right for you. An estate plan that will give you peace of mind knowing that your family will be taken care of in the way you want, whatever the future may hold.
You Need a Plan if...
You want your children raised according to your wishes if something would happen to you and your spouse.
You want to control how your assets are managed, used, and passed when you die.
You want to control how you and your loved ones are cared for in the event you are incapable of doing so yourself.
You want your children from a prior marriage to get a fair share and prevent unintended disinheritance.
You want to ensure that your pets are well-cared for should something happen to you.
You want to spare your loved ones of the expense, delay, and frustration associated with managing your affairs if you become incapacitated and after you are gone. You also want to minimize family in-fighting over your estate.
You Need a Plan if...
A Will Is Not an Estate Plan
A Will is a basic part of most estate plans, but an estate plan includes much more than just a Last Will and Testament. A complete estate plan includes other essential legal documents that protect you and your family during your lifetime and after you pass away. I will help you select those documents and build a plan that fits you. I invite you to explore our estate planning services below.
Why do I need other documents in addition to a will?
So, what other documents do I need?
Because the instructions you give in your will do not apply to all of your assets or all decisions that need to be made in your absence in the future.
At a minimum, for most people, a complete estate plan needs to include a will, advance medical directive, durable powers of attorney, and accurate and up to date beneficiary designations. Don't know what that legal jargon means? I get it. You didn't go to law school. Don't worry, I will help you.
Making it Simple
To help simplify matters, I offer packaged plans designed to meet the needs of the majority of people. These packages are meant to address the needs of the majority, but if your needs are different, you and I can build a package that is right for you. Once I assess your needs, I'll make recommendations, educate you on the options, and help you choose the best documents to fit your situation.
