Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

Careful Attention to Your Estate Plan

An estate plan is your opportunity to make sure your interests and wishes are protected during your life and after your death. While a simple will can implement some aspects of your wishes, a comprehensive estate plan involves a full package of legal tools and strategies.

For skilled assistance preparing Virginia wills, trusts and other estate planning documents, contact me at my Northern Virginia office in Fairfax or my Lynchburg area office in Forest.

Managing Your Estate's Finances

There are several essential elements you should consider incorporating into your estate plan:

• Wills — a will describes the desired distribution of your real property, personal property and other assets upon death. Perhaps more importantly, it specifies who will be responsible for implementing those wishes and wrapping up your financial affairs.
• Revocable Trusts — a revocable trust is an instrument that can give many estate plans increased flexibility and ease of administration. By taking formal ownership of some or all of your property during your life, a trust does not go through the legally complex and sometimes expensive probate process. At the same time, the fact that the trust is revocable means you maintain broad authority over it during your life.
• Powers of Attorney — a financial power of attorney allows someone you choose to take charge of your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Individuals who have lost the capacity to manage their own affairs are at risk of exploitation by others, and a power of attorney can help avoid this risk.

With more than 30 years of experience helping Virginia clients prepare wills, trusts and other estate planning devices, I understand how to translate your specific goals and wishes into a solid package. Contact me to discuss your estate planning needs with a knowledgeable lawyer.