Why Your Family Needs a Mission Statement

You probably know you “should” have a will or a trust, but have you ever talked with your family about why your money exists in the first place? A simple family mission statement can dramatically increase the odds that your wealth and your relationships stay intact for generations. Read more…

What to Do When You’re Ready to Create Your Estate Plan but Your Spouse Isn’t

It’s heartbreaking when one spouse is eager to protect the family through estate planning and the other resists. Here’s what to do when your partner isn’t on board. Read more…

Navigating the Sandwich Generation

It’s hard to believe that we waved goodbye to June and July is quick coming to an end. But beyond the fireworks and family trips, July carries another significance – it’s Sandwich Generation Month. Perhaps you’re familiar with the term “sandwich generation”. It describes someone simultaneously caring for aging parents and their own children. It’sContinueContinue reading “Navigating the Sandwich Generation”

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 outsideContinueContinue reading “How Do Assets Pass to Beneficiaries After Death?”

Probate: Why Avoiding it Matters in Estate Planning

Probate is a term that often crops up in discussions about estate planning, but a lot of people don’t know what it is. More importantly, they’re not sure why they should strategize to avoid it. Understanding ProbateProbate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to their heirs and beneficiaries. ItContinueContinue reading “Probate: Why Avoiding it Matters in Estate Planning”

What Is The Difference Between a Living Will and a DNR?

A “living will” and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) are important documents that guide medical decisions if you’re unable to make them yourself. However, they serve different purposes and have key distinctions. Living Will In Virginia and Maryland, a “living will” is part of an advanced medical directive, allowing adults to outline their medical preferencesContinueContinue reading “What Is The Difference Between a Living Will and a DNR?”

We’re Growing! Now Offering Comprehensive Estate Planning Solutions to Both Virginia and Maryland

Mathews Law is delighted to announce expansion into the state of Maryland. With this expansion, Ms. Lisa Mathews will proactively extend her expertise and dedicated service to a broader community, offering comprehensive estate planning solutions to clients in both Virginia and Maryland. Mathews Law has garnered a reputation for providing a warm and welcoming environmentContinueContinue reading “We’re Growing! Now Offering Comprehensive Estate Planning Solutions to Both Virginia and Maryland”

Wills and Trusts: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between a will and a trust? Is a will sufficient or do you need a trust? These are some of the more common questions our clients have during the estate planning process. While both serve the purpose of distributing assets and property to beneficiaries, they have distinct differences in how they workContinueContinue reading “Wills and Trusts: What’s the Difference?”