As your parents get older, you may wonder whether the time will ever come when they are unable to make their own decisions. If that time does come, you may worry about what will happen and whether you can make decisions on their behalf. You may be aware that there...
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that 17% of divorced or widowed spouses get married again. Among people 55 and older, the rate of remarriage has grown in recent decades. Remarried spouses should pay attention to the unique nature of estate planning when...
Even if you are still active and healthy, if you have not already done so, now is the time to establish an advance health care directive, also known as a living will. This important legal document ensures that care providers and loved ones know, respect and follow...
As an adult child, you want what is best for your parent’s health and wellness. Unfortunately, disabling conditions in the elderly may require you to take control of your parent’s care. As explained by the Virginia circuit court, the guardian takes responsibility for...
In Virginia, a couple can sign an agreement before or during the marriage that legally binds them to certain actions. Usually, these actions are financial or property-related, but they do not have to be. Here is what the law says about these agreements. Property The...
When most people think about planning for the fate of their properties and assets they will likely consider connecting with their attorneys and drafting a will. While there are many good reasons to start a will, a will cannot do everything that a revocable living...
If you are setting up an estate plan, you have a lot of different issues to consider, such as the way in which you will divide your assets among beneficiaries and deciding who to place in charge of your estate plan after you pass away. However, some people have an...
Virginia residents like you put time and effort into your estate plan. But many people make a big mistake. They write an estate plan and never update it again. If you think you can leave an estate plan as-is for years or decades, you are unfortunately incorrect. You...
Watching your parent age and lose some of his or her cognitive or physical abilities is difficult. It may become especially so if you have concerns about your parent possibly becoming a danger to his or herself as mental or physical health declines. In some instances,...
When residents in Virginia like you create an estate plan, you may think that is all there is to it. But maintaining an estate plan is a long endeavor. You must ensure that it accurately reflects your life at any given stage in it. To do this, you must modify your...
