Choosing between a will and a trust can shape your family’s future. Learn what to consider so your plan truly works. Read more…
Tag Archives: Northern Virginia
Mathews Law Is Growing! New Office Opening in Vienna, VA
We’re thrilled to announce that Mathews Law is expanding! Beginning the week of May 26, we’ll be welcoming clients to our brand-new main office in Vienna, Virginia. Our Alexandria office will continue to operate as a satellite location, and we remain committed to serving our clients there. Whether you’re closer to Vienna or Alexandria, you’llContinueContinue reading “Mathews Law Is Growing! New Office Opening in Vienna, VA”
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?”
Filing for Divorce in Virginia? Why Updating Your Estate Plan is Crucial
Even in the best of scenarios, going through a divorce is an emotionally charged, challenging process. Amid the whirlwind of legal proceedings, contacting an estate planning attorney might not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be. A divorce, often referred to as dissolution of marriage, can stretch over several months, sometimesContinueContinue reading “Filing for Divorce in Virginia? Why Updating Your Estate Plan is Crucial”
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 andContinueContinue reading “Preparing Your Executor to Meet Expectations: How to Prevent Mistakes in Estate Administration in Virginia”
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 estateContinueContinue reading “Demystifying the Roles: Executor vs. Power of Attorney”
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,ContinueContinue reading “Leveraging Life Insurance for Your Estate Plan: Insights from an Estate Lawyer in Virginia”
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 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?”