Estate Planning — Overview
Planning for the Future
Estate planning involves preparing legal documents that reflect your wishes regarding your assets, your health care, and the well-being of your loved ones. Having a clear, legally sound estate plan in place can help avoid confusion and conflict for your family in the future.
Virginia law governs the validity and effect of wills, trusts, and related documents. It is important that these documents be properly drafted and executed to be enforceable.
Planning Documents We Prepare
Valley Legal assists clients in preparing a range of estate planning documents under Virginia law, including:
- Wills: directing the distribution of your assets and, where applicable, naming a guardian for minor children
- Revocable living trusts: allowing assets to pass outside of probate and providing for management of your estate during your lifetime
- Durable powers of attorney: designating a person to manage financial and legal matters on your behalf if you become incapacitated
- Advance medical directives (living wills): expressing your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care
- Health care powers of attorney: designating a person to make medical decisions on your behalf
Why Estate Planning Matters
Many individuals delay estate planning or assume it is only necessary for those with large estates. In reality, having basic planning documents in place is beneficial for individuals and families at many different life stages and income levels.
Without a valid will, Virginia’s intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your actual wishes.
Getting Started
The estate planning process typically begins with a consultation to understand your goals, assets, and family circumstances. We then prepare documents tailored to your situation for your review and, once finalized, proper execution under Virginia law.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Estate planning documents must comply with Virginia law to be enforceable. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation.