Estate tax may apply when property passes from someone who has died to the people or organizations receiving it. For many families, this tax never becomes an issue because federal law allows a large amount of wealth to transfer before the estate tax applies.  However, your property may be more exposed than you think if you own real estate, business…[...]

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Holographs are a form of visual technology that use light to depict an image as though it were three-dimensional. Most people are familiar with holographs as a form of novelty art, and the idea of a holographic will may seem downright confusing. The law in Virginia allows for the creation of a holographic will, in addition to a traditional printed…[...]

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Estate planning professionals often recommend trusts as vehicles for their clients. One particular type of trust might be suggested to those facing tough decisions about their legacy. While not every estate planner will need this type of trust, spendthrift trusts are quite useful in certain situations. Below are three examples of circumstances where you might want to fund these trusts.…[...]

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People who have millions of dollars in property may worry about taxes after they die. Estate taxes can substantially reduce the overall value of an estate by diverting resources to federal coffers. There are numerous ways for people to plan for the possibility of estate taxes. An irrevocable trust is a powerful tool for those whose property could be subject…[...]

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Family members are often surprised when disputes arise after a loved one’s will is presented in probate. Questions about sudden inheritance changes, missing relatives or unusual behavior before death can quickly create tension between beneficiaries. In Virginia, courts may invalidate a will if there is evidence that the document was created improperly or did not reflect the true intentions of…[...]

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Picking the right estate executor is very important. This person is going to be responsible for things like inventorying your assets, contacting beneficiaries, distributing the inheritance, paying final taxes and debts, and much more. So how do you choose the right person for this important job? As you make your estate plan, here are a few things to keep in…[...]

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If someone you love has a disability, you’ve probably spent years making sure they’re well taken care of. But what happens when you’re no longer here to oversee that care? That question can feel overwhelming because it’s not just about money or legal documents. It’s about protecting their future, their dignity and the support systems they depend on. A will…[...]

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Ideally, when you draft an estate plan, all of the different documents will work together seamlessly. This could include your will, your life insurance policy, any trusts that you have created, powers of attorney and much more. But in some cases, there may be a conflict. There could be different instructions in different documents. For instance, say that you purchased…[...]

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Financial obligations can diminish the legacy of an individual after their passing. Creditors with valid claims and tax authorities can potentially demand payment from an estate before heirs and other beneficiaries receive their inheritances. Estate taxes are among the most significant obligations that could diminish a Virginia estate’s total value. Understanding when estate taxes apply and the tax rate itself…[...]

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Being named a personal representative (commonly known as an executor) is an honor and a responsibility. However, many people assume the role is merely a formality and involves only distributing property to the heirs. In reality, the job is far more comprehensive and comes with fiduciary duties and strict procedural requirements. They have multiple financial and legal obligations, as well…[...]

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