We are excited to announce the launch of our new service, the Guidance Meeting for Executors. Estate Planning involves naming multiple decision-makers such as a financial agent, health care agent, personal representative to settle your estate, and trustee to manage your trust if you choose to create one. We know that once the time comesContinueContinue reading “Announcing a New Service: The Guidance Meeting for Executors”
Tag Archives: Estate planning lawyer
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,ContinueContinue reading “What is a Standby Guardian Designation in Virginia?”
New Year, New Goals. Create or Update your Estate Plan!
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” —Thomas Jefferson The start of a new year is a great time to reassess your priorities and make positive changes in your life. One important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones is to create an estateContinueContinue reading “New Year, New Goals. Create or Update your Estate Plan!”
What Should I Review When I Receive My Draft Estate Plan?
After your estate plan is drafted, we will send it to you for your review. At minimum, you should confirm: Your name(s) are spelled correctly The names of your beneficiaries and decision-makers (referenced as agents) are accurate The names of your beneficiaries and decision-makers are spelled correctly Beneficiary distribution instructions are stated as you intendedContinueContinue reading “What Should I Review When I Receive My Draft Estate Plan?”
What Happens at the Signing?
Mathews Law will help you get your documents signed so that you can move on with your life! The “signing” simply refers to the execution of your new estate plan. Mathews Law offers two options: You can have the signing at the office of Mathews Law, located in Old Town, Alexandria, or you can haveContinueContinue reading “What Happens at the Signing?”
Who Are Your Beneficiaries?
Decided where your assets should go after you die is one of the primary purposes of an estate plan. One of the most common questions people have is who should be their beneficiaries. The good news is this decision is entirely up to you. Your assets can go entirely to one person, to multiple people,ContinueContinue reading “Who Are Your Beneficiaries?”
What if I Need to Make Changes to My Documents?
This is your plan and changes can be made when needed. Before Signing If you are a current client and need to make changes to the documents before signing, simply let Mathews Law, PLLC know of the changes that need to be made. We will update your draft and send it to you for reviewContinueContinue reading “What if I Need to Make Changes to My Documents?”
What do my decision-makers do?
Your decision-makers will be responsible for ensuring your plan is followed and your wishes are honored. Here’s a description of the types of decision-makers in an estate plan: Medical Power of Attorney (or Medical Agent): Someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them for yourself. This person only makes medical decisionsContinueContinue reading “What do my decision-makers do?”
What Is Probate?
What is probate? Probate is the court-managed process of settling an estate. The court oversees the process from start to finish. First, the court will review the will, if there is one, and appoint a personal representative(person who has authority to act on the estate’s behalf). Second, the personal representative must file accountings to theContinueContinue reading “What Is Probate?”
Benefits of Creating an Estate Plan
COVID-19 has prompted many to contemplate important topics such as end-of-life decisions and estate planning. By making these choices and preparations in advance, families can ensure that they are carrying out the wishes of their loved ones and also prevent some of the difficulties that are often faced in these circumstances. The resources below touchContinueContinue reading “Benefits of Creating an Estate Plan”