Once people turn 18, they are legal adults. They have certain responsibilities and rights. Most of those rights persist definitely. Anyone who is a legal adult can theoretically establish a will or draft other estate planning documents. They can select beneficiaries,...
An incentive trust gives you a chance to provide your beneficiary with specific goals. Maybe they can access the trust after they graduate from college. Perhaps they can only access it as long as they’re gainfully employed. These trusts are often used to influence...
You’ve been thinking about disinheriting one of your family members, specifically because you don’t trust them to handle that inheritance properly. Maybe they’ve struggled with drug addiction issues in the past, or maybe they just make frivolous purchases on a...
Caring for a loved one with special needs involves more than daily support. It also means planning for their well-being in the future after you’re gone. A special needs trust (SNT) is a powerful tool that can provide financial security without jeopardizing their...
When you draft a power of attorney, you’re turning over your rights to make certain decisions to someone else. For instance, if you use a financial power of attorney, you may give them the ability to pay your taxes or your bills, or simply to access your bank account....
An advance health care directive is an estate planning document that provides guidance regarding medical treatment. Individuals who experience incapacitation or medical emergencies can rely on their advance directives to guide the care that they receive. People can...
The purpose of a living will is to inform your doctors and medical team of your wishes regarding your treatment at the end of life. This is a legally binding document that allows you to maintain control over your life if you lose the capacity to make important...
Creating an estate plan might seem like a task for the elderly, but it offers numerous advantages for anyone, regardless of age or wealth. In Virginia, an estate plan can do more than just distribute your high-value assets after you pass away. Here are three other,...
The arrival of a new year often brings a sense of renewal and an opportunity to reflect on personal and financial goals. At the top of most people’s minds are resolutions to improve health, enhance careers or strengthen relationships. During this season of renewal,...
If you’re worried about your will or other aspects of your estate plan being challenged, then you should be proactive in heading off those arguments. Figuring out how to do that can be difficult, but with a little foresight and legal know-how you can better protect...
