Virginia Will Attorney
Serving Clients in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Beyond
At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we have been helping clients and their families for decades. We understand the importance of planning for the future, and we are here to help you with all of your estate planning needs.
Our wills lawyers in Virginia can help answer all of your questions. Contact us today at (888) 885-9001 to schedule an appointment.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are to be distributed after your death. You can also use a will to appoint a guardian to care for your minor children or appoint a personal representative to handle the administration of your estate.
A will can also contain provisions for funeral arrangements, organ donation, and whether or not you would like to be buried or cremated. A will is a flexible tool that can be customized to meet your needs.
What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Virginia?
When an individual passes away without a valid will (intestate), state laws determine how their assets will be distributed. The Virginia intestacy laws prioritize close family members as beneficiaries. Typically, the surviving spouse and children are the primary heirs.
If the deceased person has both a spouse and children, one-third of their assets are distributed to the spouse, and the remaining two-thirds are distributed to the children. If there are no children, the husband inherits the entire estate. In the absence of a surviving spouse or children, the assets pass to the decedent's parents. Specific measures exist for cases in which the deceased individual leaves no living spouse, children, or parents, ensuring that the estate is distributed in accordance with the law even in problematic situations.
Intestacy laws can become complex when there are blended families or adopted children. It's crucial for individuals to create a valid will to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes rather than default state laws. Consulting with a seasoned wills lawyer in Virginia at J. S. Burton, P.L.C. can help navigate these complexities.
For experienced guidance, speak with a knowledgeable Virginia wills attorney. Call us at (888) 885-9001 or contact us online.
Opinions That Matter Most
Read What Our Former Clients Have to Say
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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.
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Competent, professional service.- Fred S.