A trust is an arrangement that, after your death or during your incapacity, allows a third party (called a trustee) to hold onto assets for beneficiaries. When establishing a trust, you can specify exactly how and when your assets will be passed onto your loved ones. Our trust attorneys have extensive experience helping clients establish and implement trusts that save families time, money, and the stress of probate. Benefits of Establishing a Trust Some of the many benefits of trusts include: Avoid probate: Probate is an extremely long and expensive court-supervised legal process for administering a deceased person's estate. Trusts…Read More
Without having a solid plan in place for everything you’ve built for yourself and your loved ones, all of that effort could be left to chance. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants to ensure that themselves and their family are protected, their wishes are honored, and their legacy is handled the way they want. Whether you're just starting to think about the future or you've been putting it off for years, now is the time to understand what estate planning really is, and why it matters more than you might think. What Exactly Is…Read More
You’ve worked hard to make your life your own and to structure out a good future for yourself and your family. But if you don’t have a will, Virginia law—not you—decides who inherits your property, who cares for your children, and how your estate is handled. That can lead to delays, disputes, and outcomes you never intended. Whether you’re just beginning to think about it or finally ready to get it done, this guide will walk you through how to create a will in Virginia the right way, so your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored. Why…Read More
My Father Died with Credit Card Debt—Am I or My Mother Now Responsible? We often hear from families who are grieving—and at the same time, facing urgent questions about bills and legal responsibilities. One of the most common—and stressful—scenarios sounds like this: “My father passed away recently. He had several credit cards. My mother was listed as an authorized user, but she didn’t co-sign. There was no will. The credit card companies are starting to call us. Are we personally responsible for paying these debts?” This isn’t just a confusing moment, it’s a complex problem that thousands of Virginia families…Read More
“I own property in Virginia—what happens if I leave it to my child who lives in another state?” Our firm regularly helps Virginia property owners—and their adult children—create clear, conflict-free estate plans. One of the most common (and most misunderstood) situations we’ve heard sounds like this: “I’m in my 70s and own a home in Lynchburg. I have two adult children—one in North Carolina, the other in Maryland. I want my daughter to inherit the house when I pass. I just want it to be simple.” On the surface, this sounds straightforward. But if you or a loved one are…Read More
Locked Out of Your Sibling’s Home? Here’s What You Can Do Our firm has seen it too many times: a grieving family thrown into chaos because no clear estate plan was in place. One of the most heartbreaking calls we’ve heard sounded like this: “My brother passed away suddenly. His house is in foreclosure. I stepped in to help—paid the mortgage for a month—and then I got locked out. Now I don’t know if any of the proceeds will reach our family, or who’s legally in charge.” This isn’t just a difficult family moment. It’s an estate planning nightmare. And…Read More
Co-Executor Conflict Over a Family Farm? Here’s How You Can Protect What Matters and Find a Clear Path Forward You’ve worked hard to keep your family together, to honor your loved one’s legacy, and to do the right thing. But when an estate includes valuable property, especially a family farm, old resentments and new disagreements can flare up fast. If you’re here, you may already feel it: The stress of being unable to make decisions. The fear of losing something meaningful. The exhaustion from conversations that go in circles. You are not alone. Many families across Virginia face the same…Read More
“We All Inherited Grandma’s House”—Why That Phrase Is a Legal and Emotional Nightmare Our firm hears it all the time: “When my grandmother died, all seven of her children inherited the house and land. Now, some of those children have passed away, and their kids—my cousins—are co-owners too. No one can agree on what to do with the property. We don’t even know who legally owns what anymore.” What you’re describing is more than a family disagreement—it’s an inherited property nightmare. And it’s a situation that quietly unfolds in families across Virginia every day when real estate is passed down…Read More
From Legacy Law Centers – Planning Today. Protecting Tomorrow. Our team has helped many families navigate heartbreaking situations when a loved one is nearing the end of life—without a will or any plan in place. One of the most stressful calls we’ve received sounded like this: “Our father has been given weeks to live. He never created a will. Now he wants to sell his property and divide the proceeds between me, my sister, and his current wife. He is still mentally competent—for now.” This is what we call a deathbed estate planning nightmare—a moment when time is short, emotions…Read More
Succession planning is more than just preparing for leadership changes; it’s about creating a stable, resilient organization that can thrive well into the future. Whether you're running a small family business or a large enterprise, planning for transitions ensures your company remains strong, even when key people move on. At Legacy Law Center, we help businesses design personalized succession plans that protect their people, processes, and legacy. Understanding Succession Planning in VA What is Succession Planning? Succession planning is a long-term strategy for identifying and developing new leaders who can replace old ones when they leave or retire. Its purpose…Read More
