Staunton Estate Planning & Administration Attorneys
Here to Help You Navigate the Estate Planning Process
When planning for your future, it is important to consider what will happen to your estate when you pass on. Many people mistakenly believe that their assets and properties will automatically be given to their spouses or children, but without a proper estate plan in place, you actually have no control over how your hard-earned assets will be divided.
In addition, an estate plan doesn’t just dictate how you wish your property to be handled after your death; it can also be used to ensure that your children are properly cared for, that your wishes are known and met should you become incapacitated, that your business continues to provide for your family well into the future, and that your legacy is protected.
If you need assistance with estate planning or administration in Staunton or throughout Central Virginia, contact Tucker Griffin Barnes at (540) 328-2808 today.
Our Estate Planning Services
As previously mentioned, estate planning is very important. That being said, how do you know where to begin? If you haven’t begun your estate plan, the process can seem overwhelming. After all, everyone’s situation is unique—how do you know whether you need a will, a trust, or a power of attorney?
While you can create an estate plan without assistance, an experienced attorney can help you understand all of your available planning options. An estate plan can quickly become complicated with your financial situation and personal goals, and a lawyer for estate planning is the best place to get answers to your questions.
When you meet with our Staunton estate planning attorneys, we provide personalized, one-on-one legal counsel. Our lawyers can assess your situation, listen to your goals, and provide you with estate planning strategies aimed at achieving those goals.
Our Estate Administration Services
In Virginia, estate administration is the process of settling an estate after the owner of the estate has died. If the deceased named an executor in his or her will, this person is in charge of ensuring that the deceased’s wishes (as outlined in the will) are carried out. If there is no existing will, the court will appoint an administrator who will serve as the personal representative of the estate.
Most estates in Virginia will need to pass through the probate process. Simply put, this is the process of distributing the deceased’s assets and properties (either according to his/her will or in accordance with state/local laws), meeting any financial obligations the deceased had, and paying off the deceased’s debts. Executors and administrators are responsible for many things during probate, including providing a valid death certificate to the court, notifying all heirs of probate proceedings, overseeing the valuation of the deceased’s estate, and ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are carried out and that property is distributed properly. A will can also be contested in probate court.
If you are the executive, administrator, or an heir to an estate, Tucker Griffin Barnes can help you navigate the estate administration process. Our Staunton estate administration attorneys have helped thousands of clients in the area; let us provide you with the answers and personalized legal assistance you need.
Contact us online or call (540) 328-2808 for a confidential consultation with our attorneys.
Hear What Our Clients Say
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I would definitely recommend Christopher Bibb to anyone! He is very friendly and professional. He answers emails and calls within the same day. My family law case was a little unique and threw a curve ball towards the end. But he was ready for the challenge.- Felecia T.
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I would absolutely recommend Christopher Bibb to everyone! He recently represented me in a family law matter, and I was HIGHLY impressed! He is courteous, and professional, provides timely updates, and is very accessible. He always took time to address any questions/ concerns I had along the way. I truly appreciated his attention to detail and the fact that he was always prepared for anything. I cannot thank him enough!- Jennifer M.
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I was in a motorcycle accident the day before Father’s Day in 2023 and the outcome would have been over a million dollar case but because of some circumstances, I was facing debt well over $500,000 and I would have been forced to file bankruptcy! Matthew Westmoreland got it to where ALL of my medical bills were covered at UVA AND worked his magic and somehow made it so that I actually got a settlement check (no matter how big or little the check was), I HIGHLY recommend Matthew Westmoreland 1,000 times over!!! And he took care of literally EVERY stressful problem/question/concern I had and made it that much easier on me! Thank you Matthew Westmoreland for EVERYTHING!- Mandi L.
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I highly recommend Yvonne Griffin and her staff. Not only did they get me a great settlement and they also got my medical liens reduced, which meant more money for my family.- Personal Injury Client
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Yvonne Griffin represented me in a car accident that required many months of hands-on attention. She was a compassionate person always taking into consideration my limited ability from my brain injury, but not making me feel inferior. I highly recommend Yvonne. She is a true professional.- Personal Injury Client
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Thank you for taking my ‘small’ case. I know you all worked hard to help me and I’m very grateful for all you did for me.- Personal Injury Client
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Yvonne Griffin is a fearless trial attorney with significant courtroom experience.- Personal Injury Client
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Yvonne Griffin is an extremely smart lawyer. Her years of experience were on prime display as she worked through every difficult problem with my car accident case. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer.- Personal Injury Client