Fiduciary, Executor, & Trustee Service Attorneys in Virginia
Also Serving Washington, D.C.
Do you need help selecting a fiduciary? A fiduciary is someone who acts on your behalf and is obligated to put your interests ahead of their own. In the context of estate and trust planning, a fiduciary is a person responsible for managing your estate or trust — usually a trustee or executor.
J.S. Burton can help you evaluate whether a family member, professional, or corporate fiduciary may best facilitate your estate during your lifetime and after you’ve passed away. We also provide legal counsel to executors and trustees regarding estate and trust administration.
Schedule an appointment with our Virginia fiduciary attorneys by calling (888) 885-9001 or use our contact form to send us your questions.
Fiduciary Counsel in Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, McLean, & Surrounding Areas
A trustee is an individual with fiduciary responsibilities for a trust. An executor is responsible for overseeing and facilitating an estate plan. In Virginia’s legal statutes, an executor of an estate is sometimes referred to as a person’s “personal representative.” Often, these individuals are personally selected and named in a will or trust, but they can also be appointed by a court.
In general, a fiduciary’s responsibilities may include:
- Administering trusts and/or the estate
- Allocating and distributing assets
- Ensuring relevant tax returns are filed
- Interpreting the will and/or trust
- Making investment decisions
- Maintaining records of estate and trust transactions
Most importantly, fiduciaries must act in accordance with the stipulations outlined in the estate plan.
Fiduciary Duties of Executors
Executors represent an estate and administer it according to the provisions outlined in a last will and testament. They are held to strict legal standards and must be approved by a judge to carry out their duties and represent the estate in court.
The fiduciary responsibilities of an executor may include:
- Keeping record of estate transactions
- Keeping an inventory of estate assets
- Litigating and overseeing probate
- Managing estate accounts and investments
- Preparing taxes
- Representing the estate in probate
- Transferring assets
Selecting an Executor or Trustee
Selecting a fiduciary is an important decision with long-term consequences. At J.S. Burton, our fiduciary, executor, and trustee service attorneys in Virginia will meet with you to discuss your situation, financial interests, and personal priorities, and we’ll help you select appropriate fiduciaries for your will, estate, and trusts.
Contact us today by calling (888) 885-9001 or message us to discuss your options. We have offices in Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and McLean.
Opinions That Matter Most
Read What Our Former Clients Have to Say
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I just had a great experience with this firm in preparing my estate planning documents. I needed to update some wishes and also ensure everything is in line for the state of Virginia, as I moved here from Pennsylvania. I worked with Fallon Francesca Whi
- Wendy V. -
I have met with Mr Burton several times and always found him to be professional and personable- Bonnie T.
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We were heard and guided to do the best for our families needs- Fred S.
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J S Burton, PLC has helped with my estate planning. All aspects of my trust are clearly defined in an easy-to-understand folder. They coordinated with my financial planner seamlessly. The staff is friendly and personable. I highly endorse J S Burton.- Elizabeth M.
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Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!- Krystin R.
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J S Burton, PLC has been our family's trusted estate planner for over 20 years. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication are unmatched. They guide us through complex decisions with ease and clarity, always with a personal approach.- Ryan D.
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J S Burton, PLC is an excellent estate planning firm—highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. They listened with great kindness, compassion, and courtesy. All questions were answered, and a perfect estate plan was created. Very happy!- Kathy R.
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The service was excellent!- Susan B.