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How Do Assets Pass to Beneficiaries After Death?
You might be wondering what happens to your stuff after you’re no longer around. Today, we’ll explore the two primary paths through which assets are transferred to beneficiaries after one’s passing – one entails legal proceedings, while the other offers a straightforward, more hassle-free process. Outside of Court The easiest option is passing assets outside…
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Mathews Law, PLLC Celebrates Five Years!
It’s hard to believe, but we’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone – it has been five remarkable years since we opened our doors to serve our fellow Virginians. Our journey as an estate planning attorney in Alexandria, VA has been both challenging and rewarding, and today, as we mark our 5th anniversary, we want…
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Preparing Your Executor to Meet Expectations: How to Prevent Mistakes in Estate Administration in Virginia
The executor of an estate plays a crucial role in managing and distributing a person’s assets after they pass away. However, preventing mistakes and ensuring the executor fulfills their duties of estate administration is of utmost importance. As estate planning attorneys in Alexandria, VA, we’ll focus on how common mistakes an executor can make and…
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Demystifying the Roles: Executor vs. Power of Attorney
Understanding the Role of an Executor and Power of Attorney As an estate attorney in Alexandria, VA, I often receive questions about the roles and responsibilities of an executor and a power of attorney (POA). Better understanding what these roles require will help you determine who should be named as you make your own estate…
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Leveraging Life Insurance for Your Estate Plan: Insights from an Estate Lawyer in Virginia
One common misconception when it comes to estate planning is the belief that one must have substantial assets to establish an estate plan. As an estate planning attorney in Alexandria, VA, I’m here to tell you that this simply isn’t the case. In reality, life insurance can play a crucial role in your estate planning,…
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It is National Make-A-Will Month, but a Will is Not Enough
Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? Did you also know that a will is only one component of a proper estate plan? While wills are indeed a cornerstone of estate planning, they represent just one facet of a holistic approach that ensures the effective management and distribution of your assets according to…
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What You Need to Know About Estate Planning in Virginia
What You Need to Know About Estate Planning in Virginia Estate planning is a vital process that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. It involves making important decisions about who will inherit your property, who will handle your affairs, and how your healthcare decisions will be made. If you…
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What is a Standby Guardian Designation in Virginia?
Have you ever thought about who would take care of your minor children if something were to happen to you? In Virginia, parents can name a standby guardian to step in as a parent if needed. Virginia’s statute clarifies that the guardian only steps in when a certain triggering event has occurred, such as incapacity,…
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How Would Your Death Impact Your Child?
As parents, we all want to ensure that our children are taken care of and protected, even in the event of our deaths. However, many parents may not consider the impact that their deaths would have on their minor children when creating their estate plan. Estate planning is not just about distributing your assets and…
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What Should I Review When I Receive My Draft Estate Plan?
