A fiduciary is someone who has been placed in a position of trust. In estate planning, this usually means managing assets. Below is a brief overview of some of the key fiduciaries in estate planning. The executor The executor of the estate is a fiduciary that has...
Estate Planning
What interventions would be covered in a do-not-resuscitate order?
Every patient, including those advanced in age, retains the right to decline medical treatment and interventions if they choose to. One of the ways this is achieved is by getting a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR). Essentially, a DNR is an order that specifically...
Who might exert undue influence on a testator’s will?
Some people take legal action to contest a will in probate court when someone close to them dies. There are a few reasons why people may take issue with an estate plan. In some cases, a testator might have included inappropriate terms that make the will they drafted...
What is a springing power of attorney?
A springing power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to act on your behalf under certain conditions. Unlike a general POA, which becomes effective immediately upon signing, a springing POA only takes effect when specific...
Ensuring that your organ donation wishes are respected
Making the decision to become an organ donor is a generous and potentially life-saving choice. It’s important to take the right steps to better ensure that your wishes in this regard are respected after your death. In Virginia, like in most states, there are specific...
Estate planning as a newlywed
As a newlywed, you are likely focused on building a life with your spouse. You likely have dreams of shared goals and a bright future ahead. Amidst the excitement of your new life together, however, it’s important to take practical steps to protect your financial...
How can a Virginia executor pay for an attorney?
An executor or personal representative agrees to manage estate administration out of respect for a decedent or testator. Some people agree to accept the role when a loved one creates an estate plan. Others step up during the early stages of probate court after a loved...
So, you’ve made a will. What next?
A will is intrinsic to most people’s estate planning. So much so, that it has almost become a byword for an estate plan. That can leave some people thinking that once they have made their will, they are finished with their estate planning. Unfortunately, it is not...
3 benefits of asset protection planning while estate planning
Many people have an overly-simplistic concept of what should transpire during estate planning. Creating a will is important, but it is far from the only step necessary for the protection of an individual later in life and the support of their loved ones after their...
What is digital estate planning?
More and more, the digital world is intertwined with the physical. From the photos you keep of important events to your credit card statements – you have a wealth of digital assets. That’s why you need digital estate planning. In fact, a digital estate plan may be the...

