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Til Death Do Us Part? Why Unmarried Couples Need an Estate Plan
Love in the 21st century takes many forms, and for a growing number of couples, “forever” doesn’t always include a marriage license. While a deeply personal choice, being unmarried adds layers of legal and financial complexity that can’t be ignored, especially when it comes to protecting your assets and loved ones. Imagine this: you’ve built…
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Estate Planning Strategies for Same-Sex Couples
The political landscape is shifting, and many same-sex couples are worried about what could happen if federal protections for their marriages are rolled back. You’ve worked hard to build a life together, and the last thing you need is uncertainty about whether your marriage, your assets, or your rights will be recognized in the future.…
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Five Estate Planning Pitfalls You Should Know
Passing down wealth or cherished assets to those you love is a beautiful way of caring for those you love. Common mistakes in estate planning can lead to family conflicts, tax burdens, or other unintended outcomes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid: 1. Failing to Have a Will or Estate Plan One of the most…
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Navigating Real Property Transfers After Death
As an estate planning attorney licensed in Virginia and Maryland, I often receive questions about how real estate is handled after someone passes away. This article explains key aspects of real property inheritance in these states, including how property passes to heirs, the meaning of “drops like a rock” in Virginia, when probate is required,…
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How to Talk About Estate Planning
There’s an important conversation lurking and it’s one we often avoid—estate planning. It’s easy to see why. The topic of what happens when we’re no longer here can feel uncomfortable or even morbid. Even though death is a necessary part of life, we avoid it because it makes us feel uneasy or outright scared. This…
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Your First Step in Estate Planning: What Are Your Goals?
Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring that your assets and loved ones are protected according to what you want. The first and most important step in this process is to determine your goals. Understanding what you want to achieve with your estate plan will guide you in making the right decisions and choosing…
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Top 3 Reasons Singles Need an Estate Plan
Singles need to plan for unexpected circumstances possibly even more urgently than those who are married. REASON #1: Singles need to choose their decision-makers. Being single can be awesome, but one drawback is that without a spouse, it is not always obvious who should make decisions for you when you cannot make them for yourself.…