Why You Need a Last Will & Testament

Everyone needs an estate plan, and our skilled last Will lawyers in Arlington, VA, can help ensure that your family and financial goals are met after death. An essential part of any estate plan is a Will to tell the world how to distribute assets and to provide for guardianship of any minor children. A Will is a legal document that allows the testator (the person creating the Will) to specify how their assets, including real estate, retirement accounts, and personal belongings, should be distributed upon their death. It names all heirs, from surviving spouses and children to charitable organizations. When properly drafted and signed in the presence of a witness, a Will meets the requirement of being legally valid, giving the probate court and your representative clear instructions to avoid disputes. If an individual does not have a Will, the laws of each State have statutes that govern the disposition of assets and guardianship of any minor children.

A Will names all beneficiaries, from surviving spouses, children, and grandchildren to charitable organizations, which are to inherit estate assets. It also organizes how assets should be divided so the probate court and your personal representative (the executor) have clear direction on what percentage of the property goes to whom.

What Does a Last Will Do?

Having a properly signed and executed Last Will and Testament means that you have control over when and how your assets are distributed. Our team will help you craft a personalized document that fits your needs, reflects your wishes, and is tailored to your particular family dynamics and financial situation. Some of the reasons you need a Will are:

• Naming guardians for minor children. The Will is the only place where you can name guardians for your minor children and have that choice recognized by the Court. This is called Testamentary Appointment of Guardian of a Minor. You get to choose who will be taking care of your minor children.
• Setting up Testamentary Trusts. You can set up, within your Will, trusts that will be funded upon your death for individuals who cannot manage their money. Whether a minor child, an individual with a disability, a beneficiary with substance abuse issues, or a beneficiary who has challenges with handling their money, you can leave their assets in a trust and name a trustee to manage those funds for their benefit. You can provide vulnerable individuals in your life with protection to ensure their stability and financial well-being.
• Leaving money to charity or to individuals that you choose rather than relying on state laws to determine the distribution of your assets. Do you want to leave money to friends or important charities? You must have a Will to do that.
• Making provisions for your pets. They are also beloved family members!
• Minimize overall death taxes if possible.

How We Help You Create Your Will

Creating a Last Will and Testament with Schleifman Law is a straightforward and stress-free process. Here’s how we can help:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We begin with a one-on-one consultation where we discuss your family, assets, and any special instructions you wish to include in your Will. This allows us to understand your needs.

Step 2: Tailored Will Drafting

Once we have a clear understanding of your wishes, we draft a Will that reflects your desires. We ensure that the document complies with Virginia state law, so it’s legally valid and enforceable.

Step 3: Final Review and Execution

Once your Will is drafted, we review it together to ensure every detail is accurate. After making any necessary adjustments, we will guide you through the signing process to make your Will legally binding.

Will and Testament Attorneys Serving Arlington VA, Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia

At Schleifman Law, we bring over 30 years of experience to help individuals and families plan for their futures. Here’s why you can trust us with your Last Will and Testament:

• Experience: Over three decades of estate planning experience, with a deep understanding of Virginia law.
• Local Knowledge: Familiar with Fairfax, VA, probate courts, and estate procedures, ensuring your Will complies with all local legal requirements.
• Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your specific needs and draft a Will that reflects your wishes.
• Flat-Fee Pricing: We offer transparent pricing, so you won’t encounter any hidden fees or surprises.

Our experienced team at Schleifman Law, PLC provides last Will and estate planning services throughout Arlington, VA, Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Whether you’re looking to create a revocable trust within your Will, transfer assets to loved ones, or provide for charitable donations, we’ll help you draft the appropriate language to ensure a smooth process.

Contact Us Today for Professional Last Will Services

Secure your family’s future by creating a comprehensive Last Will and Testament. Our firm offers personalized services to address all your estate planning needs. Whether you require assistance with asset distribution or guardianship provisions, we are here to help. Contact our last Will lawyer in Arlington VA today to discuss your specific needs and schedule a consultation.

Last Will & Testament FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to write my Will?

While you can write a Will on your own, it’s strongly recommended to consult a lawyer. A lawyer ensures that your Will meets legal requirements, reflects your true intentions, and is less likely to be contested in the future.

How do I make my Will valid in Virginia?

In Virginia, for your Will to be valid, you must be of sound mind and at least 18 years old. Your Will needs to be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your estate. A qualified Wills attorney can guide you through this process to ensure all legal requirements are met.

Can I change my Will after it’s been written?

Yes, you can update your Will at any time as long as you are mentally competent. If there are changes in your life, such as new children, marriage, or significant assets, it’s important to revise your Will. Changes to your Will are made through a document called a codicil, or by drafting a new Will altogether.

What happens if I die without a Will in Virginia?

Dying without a Will (intestate) means that your estate will be distributed according to Virginia’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your desires. This can create a lengthy probate process and potentially lead to family disputes.

What assets are typically included in a Will?

A Will can include all assets you own, such as real estate, personal property, savings, investments, and more. This ensures that your inheritance is distributed according to your instructions and that no important assets are overlooked in the process.

Can a Will be contested?

Yes, a Will can be contested by an interested party (usually an heir or beneficiary) who believes that the Will was not properly executed, or that you lacked the mental capacity to make valid decisions. Working with a reputable law firm to create a clear and well-drafted Will minimizes the chance of a contest.

Is my Will the only document needed for estate planning?

No, your Will is a key component of estate planning, but it may not be sufficient on its own. You should also consider having other documents like a living trust, power of attorney, healthcare directive, and special needs trusts to protect your assets, manage your healthcare decisions, and ensure your wishes are honored in every circumstance.

What are the benefits of hiring an experienced last Will lawyer?

Hiring a last Will lawyer in Arlington, VA, Maryland, Washington DC, or Northern Virginia ensures your Will, trust, and other documents are legally sound and tailored to your needs. A lawyer provides expert guidance to avoid costly mistakes, protects your assets, and ensures your wishes are clearly outlined. They can also help you address complex situations like appointing a guardian for minor children or planning for a loved one with special needs. Most importantly, a lawyer gives you peace of mind, knowing your estate plan will be executed smoothly and in line with your intentions.