If you create an estate plan, it means you have done the responsible thing and planned for your family’s future. However, you may not realize that estate plans aren’t “set-it-and-forget-it” documents. Because of this, regular updates are needed to keep things...

Estate planning isn’t listed on most wedding planning checklists in books or on websites, and it’s probably not in your top 10 to-do list right now. It’s more likely you want to focus on kicking up your heels on your honeymoon, settling into your new routine as...

It is a scenario that is unfortunately all too common: A loved one dies, and before the funeral arrangements are even complete, family members are arguing about who gets what. This family tension can add significant stress to an already painful situation. The fighting...

Estate planning can be a daunting prospect, with many not knowing where to start. Typically, nobody wants to think about death, at least not for any significant amount of time. Despite this, the benefits of estate planning are undeniable. Security can be offered for...

Parents who have children still living at home have probably thought about a lot of things related to the future -- including what might happen to their kids if they aren’t there to raise them for whatever reason. Setting up an estate plan and naming a guardian for...

All adults should have estate plans. Even though most people hope they will live a long time, the reality is that suddenly it might be too late. Whether you’re a young adult, a senior citizen or somewhere in between, you should ensure that your wishes are properly...

Guardianships (control of your person) and conservatorships (control of your assets) have been in the news a lot recently. Britney Spears, a world-famous pop star, became the focus of media attention after being under the control of an allegedly inappropriate and...

Virginia families look a lot different now than they did a few decades ago. The "traditional" family unit of two opposite-sex parents and their children currently comprises only a third of U.S. families. The other two-thirds include blended families with...

Don't put off establishing an estate plan until "later." It's ideal to handle all your estate planning early to ensure that you have a plan in place. Some of the first documents that you'll want to draft are a health care directive and durable health care power of...

If you have a will and other estate planning documents already in place, then you're one step ahead of most Americans. Many individuals think that they're not wealthy or old enough to need an estate plan. That's not the case, though. Estate planning is appropriate no...