Estate Planning
Williamsburg Estate Planning Lawyer
Helping Families Throughout Virginia Plan for the Future
Our Virginia attorneys help families prepare for a death or incapacity by setting up solid, legally-binding will and trust plans. We work with families of all backgrounds and are particularly adept at assisting complicated matters dealing with homeowners or high net worth estates.
The JGB Estate Planning Process
Learn more about our estate planning services when you call Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP at (888) 487-9899. We serve clients from our offices in Williamsburg and Richmond. Contact us today!
Create an Estate Plan that Changes with Your Growing Needs
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRUSTGUARD™Wills
While each person’s needs and situations are different, every adult needs to have a few important documents.
These include:
- A will to arrange their affairs at death
- A general or durable power of attorney in the event of incapacity
- A health care power of attorney and living will for medical issues
It is especially important that people with minor children have a will in place to identify who becomes the guardian of their children after they pass.
Trusts
A revocable living trust is an estate plan in which you leave instructions for a trustee, who is often a family member, to care for you in life and care for your beneficiaries after death.
Many people prefer revocable trusts because they work without court intervention, unlike wills which must be probated after death. Therefore, a revocable trust can cost far less in administrative fees while keeping your affairs private.
You can be your own trustee while you are alive and have legal capacity. Your friends or family members may be named as successor trustees of your trust, allowing them to make financial decisions during your incapacity, as well as distribute your assets after your death.
In addition, we can help you draft an NFA trust, also known as a gun trust, to register your firearms with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. These trusts help eliminate some of the red tape of owning NFA firearms.
Streamlined Estate Planning in Williamsburg, VA: Working with Local Resources
Living in Williamsburg, VA, you understand the importance of having a well-structured estate plan that aligns with local regulations and resources. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of estate planning specific to our area, ensuring that your revocable living trust is effective and compliant with local laws.
We recognize that dealing with estate matters can be daunting, especially when navigating the requirements set forth by local government entities such as the Williamsburg Probate Court and the Williamsburg County Clerk's Office. These institutions play a crucial role in the administration of estates, and our familiarity with their processes can help streamline your planning and avoid unnecessary complications.
One common concern among residents in Williamsburg is the high cost and public nature of probate. You can bypass the probate process by opting for a revocable living trust, significantly reducing administrative fees and keeping your affairs private. This is particularly beneficial in our community, where privacy and cost-efficiency are highly valued.
Additionally, our services extend to drafting NFA trusts, essential for local gun owners who wish to register their firearms with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Given the specific regulations in Williamsburg and the surrounding areas, having a properly structured NFA trust can help you easily navigate the legal landscape.
Our deep understanding of Williamsburg and its unique estate planning challenges allows us to provide personalized solutions that meet your needs. Whether you're concerned about managing your assets during incapacity or ensuring a smooth transition for your beneficiaries, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us online or call (888) 487-9899 today!
Commonly Asked Questions
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“Mr. Gasink is very knowledgeable.” - D.J. & H.J.
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“Professional, knowledgeable, and courteous.” - C.M.
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“He was easy and pleasant and helpful to work with.” - S.P. & L.P.
Trust Administration
When the maker of a trust dies, the successor trustee must make sure the instructions of the trust are followed and all debts and final taxes are paid.
After a death, lawyers from JGB meet with the surviving spouse and/or successor trustee to review the trust, see what it requires at death, and administer its terms. Our attorneys can provide the successor trustee with as much help as he or she needs to properly administer and distribute the trust assets.
It is very important that you get your trust in place before it is too late. Contact our Virginia firm at (888) 487-9899 today to schedule your initial consultation.