Author Archives: Site Administrator
One Step for Determining if a Will is Enough for Your Estate Plan
Most people need, at minimum, a will in their estate plan to ensure a smooth transition of assets to limit stress and confusion among loved ones, and to verify that an appointed guardian has been established for a minor. However, a will may not go far enough to help you accomplish all of your… Read More »
Why Would I Need an Advanced Medical Directive as Part of My Virginia Estate Planning?
Virginia law specifically authorizes something known as advanced medical directives and provides suggestions in terms of implementation. An advanced medical directive typically helps to accomplish a few goals including: Providing authorization under HIPAA laws for the release of the signing person’s medical information to selected doctors, hospitals or insurance providers. Appointing the signer’s agents… Read More »
Do I Need a General or a Limited Power of Attorney?
In Virginia, as in other states, you may use a power of attorney to help ensure the management of your affairs if something happens to you. If you are unable to speak or act for yourself, have you appointed someone else under a power of attorney to handle your affairs? There are many reasons… Read More »
What Does Guardianship Have to Do with My Estate Plan?
When someone passes away with minor children, a plan for the care of those children may be crucial to helping them through a difficult time. When a child loses their only parent or both parents, guardianship helps to ensure a smoother transition. Thinking about guardianship is essential if you’re planning to start a family… Read More »
How Long Should My Loved Ones Keep Records and Medical Bills After I Pass Away?
Have you drafted your Virginia estate plan and named the executor who will handle all aspects of estate administration? Do your loved ones know where to find and track important information, such as your personal records and medical bills? Plenty of questions and confusion can arise after the death of a loved one. Your… Read More »
What Is End of Life Care?
Most of us associate the estate planning process with thinking ahead for what will happen to your assets or even care for your minor children after you pass away. But end of life care considerations can also raise critical questions that affect you and your loved ones. If you have specific wishes regarding the… Read More »
Purchases To Potentially Avoid After Inheriting a Lot of Money
If a loved one has informed you that you will inherit a lot of money from their estate, it may be smart to speak to a financial professional now. This can help you avoid many of the most common problems associated with inheriting money and losing that value quickly. With a significant windfall come… Read More »
Safely Storing Your Virginia Estate Plan
If you spend the time creating estate planning documents to protect your interests, you need to take the extra step of safely securing these materials. Too often, it can be difficult for loved ones to find your items in a timely manner, which adds unneeded stress and confusion after you’ve passed away. Most people… Read More »
Maximizing Year-End Tax Planning with Your Estate
Now that the end of the year is quickly approaching and it’s a good reminder to set up a meeting with your CPA or estate planning attorney to discuss any major changes in your life this year. Getting these changes documented or a strategy in place before the end of the year can give… Read More »
What Medical Treatment Decisions May Be Outlined in a Living Will/Advanced Directive?
A living will, called an advanced directive in Virginia, helps to protect your plans and respects your health care wishes if you become unable to speak about them in the future. An advanced directive or living will is a formal and legal document that outlines your individual preferences regarding end of life care, and… Read More »