Wills & Estates in Northern Virginia

Planning for your potential incapacity and the distribution of your estate is never an easy subject to approach, but doing so now can save your loved ones a great deal of hassle in the future. Without a will or knowledgeable estate attorney, families can expose themselves to unnecessary stress following the death of a loved one as they work to settle their affairs without proper direction. At Westlake Legal Group, our team of experienced estate lawyers can help you plan ahead to guard against the complexities of private and estate distribution.

Westlake Legal Group provides comprehensive estate planning services, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, for Northern Virginia residents, helping them navigate the most sensitive and emotional moments in their lives. Contact our team to schedule an initial consultation today!

Understanding Wills & Estate Laws in Virginia

Benefits of Wills & Estate Attorneys

A last will and testament is a legal document that provides specific instructions for how to settle your affairs after you die. Doing so provides a host of benefits, including:

• Designating property and assets to people or organizations of your choosing
• Naming a personal guardian to take care of minor children
• Entrusting an individual to manage property and assets left to minor children
• Establishing an executor to ensure your final wishes are carried out properly

Ensure your property and assets are distributed according to your specifications by connecting with one of the estate planning attorneys at Westlake Legal Group today.

Virginia Wills & Estate Laws

In Virginia, there are no estate taxes or inheritance taxes after a decedent dies. However, there are additional taxes that are required, including:

• Final Individual Federal & State Income Tax Returns: The surviving family members must file taxes on behalf of an individual who has passed away. Taxes are due by the tax day (typically April 15) of the year following the decedent’s death.
• Federal Estate/Trust Income Tax Return: Federal taxes are owed on the estate by April 15 of the year following the individual’s death.
• Federal Estate Tax Return: If an individual estate is valued at more than $11.4 million, the beneficiaries must file an estate tax return with the federal government no later than nine months following the death.

If a family member dies without a will, the state laws of intestacy will dictate how assets are distributed. In general, property is given to your closest relatives, beginning with spouses and children. From there, property will be distributed to distant relatives, including siblings, grandparents, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and so on. The only way to guarantee that your property is distributed in accordance with your desires is by establishing a will. The estate planning attorneys at Westlake Legal Group are here to help.

FAQs for Wills & Estates in Northern Virginia

Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Virginia?

No — in Virginia, residents are welcome to create their own wills. However, it’s always best to consult with an estate planning attorney to ensure all of your wishes are properly set forth in your will and testament.

Can I revoke or change my will?

Yes. Virginia permits the revocation or change of one’s will at any time. Consult with your Westlake Legal Group to change your will or establish a new will.

Westlake Legal Group for Virginia’s Wills & Estate Attorneys

If you or a loved one is making a plan for your affairs after death, the first call to make is to Westlake Legal Group. Our knowledgeable estate planning attorneys provide the comprehensive legal services you need to ensure your property is property distributed following your death. Contact our team to set up an initial consultation today.