Category Archives: Estate Planning
Is it Ever Too Early to Draft an Estate Plan?
Well, if you ask an estate planning attorney, it’s never too early to create an estate plan. In truth, however, this is excellent advice. Creating a comprehensive estate plan is crucial to securing your financial future and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your will once you pass. Most folks delay this important… Read More »
Advantages of Securing Your Assets with a Trust in Virginia
A trust is a legal container for assets. Moreover, it is a legal arrangement where you (the grantor) transfer assets to a trustee, who manages these assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. The state of Virginia allows you flexibility in structuring your trust. An individual can serve as the trustee of their own trust,… Read More »
Planning for Your Pet: How Pet Trusts Can Ensure Your Beloved Pet is Cared For
Let’s face it. Pets are a part of your family. If they aren’t, then you’re doing it wrong. And as beloved members of your family, you worry about their wellbeing and want to ensure that they are properly cared for if you were to untimely pass. Under Virginia law, pet trusts are valid and… Read More »
What Are the Different Types of Power of Attorney in Virginia?
When it comes to securing your peace of mind about your future, one of the most vital estate planning documents you can have is the Power of Attorney (POA). In Virginia, a POA is someone you trust who has the authority to make decisions on your behalf under specific circumstances. Circumstances can include managing… Read More »
Types of Pet Trusts in Virginia
We recently did a general article on pet trusts, what they are, and why they’re important. But did you know that there were multiple types of pet trusts in Virginia? Probably not. In this article, the Law Office of Angela N. Manz will discuss the different types of pet trusts and how to establish… Read More »
Do I Need a Will if I Established a Trust in Virginia?
Trusts are important estate planning tools, but they don’t completely eliminate the need for a will in Virginia. Often, having both a will and a trust can give you considerably more control over what happens to your assets when you die. In this article, the Virginia Beach elder law attorneys at the Law Office… Read More »
What is a Letter of Intent for an Estate Plan?
Estate plans generally include several documents such as a trust, a power of attorney, and a will. While these documents outline your legal and financial directives, they don’t establish why you set up your estate plan. This can be achieved with a letter of intent which offers an opportunity to share additional instructions, outline… Read More »
Key Components of a Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is an informal estate planning document that allows you to make your wishes known to your heirs. Unlike wills and trusts, it is not a formal legal document but a message to your loved ones concerning your estate plan and the decisions you made while creating it. In our last… Read More »
Why You Should Draft a Living Will Sooner Rather Than Later
Most folks have strong opinions about the kind of medical care they will receive if they should become incapacitated but aren’t aware they have the power to put those wishes into a legal document. A living will discusses whether or not you want every measure taken to save your life (such as the DNR… Read More »
Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Estate planning is of vital importance even for the young. It’s something everyone should do to protect themselves while they are still alive. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death and it will prevent your family from fighting over your estate. You never know when you’re going to… Read More »