There are many myths about trusts including what they are for and who should use them. Most commonly, it is believed that trusts are only for wealthy individuals or families. This misconception results in too many people missing out on the many benefits of revocable trust planning including probate avoidance, privacy, and creditor protection for their beneficiaries. In addition to this myth, this post explores three Read More
An overlooked element of estate planning: Pet trusts
When people hear the term “pet trust,” they may think that it is not possible to create such a trust or that a pet trust is only for extremely wealthy people with very lucky pets. In reality, pet trusts do exist and they are an important tool for every pet owner for both incapacity and death planning. They exist because there is a need to address who will care for your pet if you cannot do so. A pet trust can Read More
Securing the future: Naming a guardian for your children
Naming a guardian for your minor child and your child’s property is a vital (yet often overlooked) element of the estate planning process. Though it may come as a surprise, the person you choose to be the child’s guardian does not have to be the same person who oversees their assets. The person who oversees their assets is referred to as the “Trustee.” Without the proper nomination in your estate planning Read More
Preparing For The Unknown: Incapacity Planning
Estate planning offers more than you may realize. Experienced attorneys will provide you with various ways to protect your assets while ensuring that your chosen beneficiaries receive them. An overlooked and essential element is that when you create one, you can be prepared for the uncertainties of the future. Everyone is exposed to the risk of being incapacitated. People who must undergo complicated or relatively Read More
Estate Planning Goes Beyond Wealth & Assets
People may dismiss the idea of creating an estate plan because they aren’t wealthy or elderly. People who choose to believe that might be underestimating what an estate plan is capable of. For example, young couples may meet with an estate planning attorney because they have chosen a guardian for their child if they should pass away unexpectedly. An experienced attorney can walk you through ways to even plan for Read More
Special Considerations For A Military Divorce
There is a considerable amount of overlap between a civilian and military divorce. When you file for divorce in Virginia, a court will be following the equitable distribution laws of Virginia. However, applying these laws to someone serving the military (or another branch of government) may be complicated. For instance, Virginia requires you or your spouse to reside here for at least six months before you can file Read More
Virginia Assault and Battery: What You Need to Know
Many people assume that assault and battery are a single crime, but they are actually two separate offenses. A person can be accused of committing assault, battery, or both in a single instance. Whether charged with only one offense or both together, the penalties for conviction of assault and battery crimes can be severe. If you or someone you know has been accused of committing these offenses in either Northern Read More
Common Challenges to Virginia Wills
A last will and testament is an important part of any estate plan. But it’s only good so much as it is properly drafted and in compliance with the law. When they aren’t drafted properly, issues can easily arise. Here, we discuss some of the common challenges wills in Virginia face due to poor will preparation and execution. Common Challenges to Virginia Wills Though there are many reasons why a poorly drafted will Read More
DWI Field Sobriety Tests
When a police officer believes that a driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may engage in a traffic stop where the driver is asked to participate in a field sobriety test. These tests are meant to determine whether a driver is intoxicated, but they are incredibly subjective and not always accurate. If you or someone you know has been accused of driving while intoxicated (DWI)––sometimes also Read More
What are the Benefits of Establishing a Trust?
When it comes to creating an estate plan in Virginia, there are many different options for how to distribute assets after your passing. One option that is growing in popularity is to establish a trust, which comes with many benefits both while a person is alive and for their beneficiaries after their death. If you are curious to learn more about the benefits of establishing a trust for your estate in the Read More
