How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney in Virginia Beach
A comprehensive estate plan does more than determine which beneficiary gets what asset. It’s also about protecting your loved ones, avoiding potential court delays, and making certain that your trusted loved ones follow your wishes when you’re no longer here to make them known. If you’re a parent, a business owner, or you’re caring for aging parents, you may have already come to this conclusion yourself. It’s more than just filling out forms. You need an advocate who understands the laws of Virginia, listens to what you have to say, and can draft legal documents that are tailored to your individual needs.
In this article, the Virginia Beach estate planning attorneys at the Law Office of Angela N. Manz will discuss your best strategy for choosing an estate planning attorney and what you should be on the lookout for.
Find a law firm that focuses on estate planning
Not every attorney handles estate planning, and not every attorney who handles estate planning does so exclusively. You want to choose a firm that concentrates on estate planning only. That means an attorney who exclusively manages the wills, trusts, and broader estate planning process. This can make a big difference in the quality of your plan.
In Virginia, your estate plan will include:
- Your will
- A revocable trust or an irrevocable trust
- Powers of attorney
- Advance medical directive
- Documents that name a personal representative, executor, or trustee
- A plan for one or more beneficiaries
- Legal protections for minor children, families with special needs, or pet trusts
The best firms will discuss your options and explain how these various estate planning tools work together to protect your assets and reduce the burden on your loved ones after your death.
Local knowledge of the probate process
In Virginia, the circuit court in the county or city where the decedent lived handles the probate process. In Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas, the Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles probate matters for our county. Each court has specific local procedures, although they all follow the law of Virginia.
A Virginia Beach estate planning attorney familiar with the probate process in your area can:
- Reduce the number of delays by filing documents correctly the first time
- Avoid unnecessary trips to the courtroom
- Anticipate which estate planning documents will simplify the administration of your estate later
If probate feels time-consuming, that’s largely because it is. This is especially true without the proper planning. A comprehensive estate plan will reduce or eliminate the need for court intervention entirely.
Choose a Virginia Beach Estate Planning Attorney Who Listens to Your Needs
At the Law Office of Angela N. Manz, we craft individualized estate plans that meet your unique needs. Our attorneys have decades of experience working with clients, and we can help you avoid probate and manage your affairs correctly the first time. Call our Virginia Beach estate planning lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
