Virginia families often face dozens of assisted living choices. Each facility has different pricing, care levels and staff. Virginia's Department of Social Services (VDSS) licenses and inspects all assisted living facilities in the state. A license confirms basic...
If you own a family business and plan to marry, you may wonder how marriage could affect ownership if you later separate. A prenuptial agreement can help establish how you and your future spouse will treat the business and its value. Identifying and protecting...
If you believe a loved one's will was signed under pressure or manipulation from another person, while their mental capacity was diminished or because of fraud, Virginia law may permit you to contest it. Courts do not set aside a will based on suspicion alone. Clear,...
What Is a VA Fiduciary and When Might a Veteran Need One? A veteran may need help with VA benefits after an illness, injury or change in health. If a veteran cannot manage VA benefits, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may appoint a fiduciary. The fiduciary...
A medical emergency can leave family members facing a difficult decision with little to no warning. If an adult in Virginia cannot communicate and has not signed an advance medical directive, state law decides who can make healthcare decisions. The process follows a...
Being appointed to care for a parent or manage their finances brings duties that continue after the court case ends. Knowing what to file and when can help you stay organized while protecting your loved one. A guardian oversees personal and care decisions, while a...
Virginia courts appoint a guardian to oversee an incapacitated adult. When that happens, family members often assume that this person can make all the important decisions of life, but that is not always the case. When a guardian handles many personal choices of an...
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes an individual to step in and manage another person's finances and legal affairs in certain situations. It is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the unexpected, such as a serious illness, accident...
Discovering that someone is contesting your loved one's will can trigger anxiety. Whether the challenge comes from an estranged family member or a distant relative, the stakes can be high. However, understanding how Virginia courts evaluate these disputes can help...
Many couples remain in long-term committed relationships for years and even decades – often until one of them passes away. If you’re in one of those couples, you and your partner may feel like you’re married, but in the eyes of the law, you aren’t. That means when one...
