There are many different documents you can use in an estate plan to address what may happen in the future. One example is a power of attorney, which grants an agent the power to make important decisions on someone else’s behalf. For example, an elderly person may be...
Estate Planning
What increases the odds of estate disputes?
As you make your estate plan, one of your main goals may be to avoid disputes between your adult children. Perhaps there has always been some element of sibling rivalry. Maybe you have seen other families get into disputes that leave lifelong rifts between siblings....
3 critical issues to address in an advance medical directive
In the event of an incapacitating incident, a person may need emergency medical care while they remain incapable of expressing their wishes to others. A living will or advance medical directive helps clarify what preferences an individual has. An advance directive can...
Tips for bringing up estate planning with your parents
It can sometimes be difficult to bring up estate planning with your own parents. The implication is that they are going to pass away soon, which makes people feel uncomfortable. From your perspective as an adult child, you may also be wary of making your parents think...
Key fiduciary roles in estate plans
The estate planning process is about more than writing a will or setting up trusts. It also means selecting individuals to handle important responsibilities. These individuals, known as fiduciaries, must act in the best interests of others. Their roles are central to...
What happens to your online accounts when you pass?
In this day and age, we live more of our lives online than ever before, from banking and sharing memories to even building businesses and storing important documents in the cloud. However, few of us stop to think about what happens to all that when we’re gone. Digital...
What should you know about guardianships in Virginia?
There may come a day when an adult isn’t able to make decisions on their own. Some adults may have powers of attorney designations in place for people to make their health care and financial decisions. If there’s no power of attorney in place, an adult guardianship is...
When should you consider updating your will?
Life changes over time, and your will needs to reflect those changes because major events can affect your plans. Keeping your will up-to-date helps protect your loved ones and avoids confusion. What major life events are suitable occasions for updating your will?...
How does a family limited partnership reduce estate taxes?
Reducing estate taxes is a priority for many families looking to preserve wealth for future generations. A family limited partnership (FLP) can be a valuable estate planning tool, offering tax benefits while maintaining control over assets. Understanding how an FLP...
How does a QPRT work in estate planning?
A qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) is a powerful estate planning tool that helps individuals reduce the taxable value of their estate while retaining the right to live in their home. This strategy can save families significant amounts in estate taxes, making...

