Wills

Virginia Wills Attorney

Serving Clients in Northern Virginia 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.

How We Can Help

Begin Your Free Consultation with Our Team Today

You’ve worked hard to achieve success and acquire your personal and business assets. You can rest easy knowing that our lawyers at J.S. Burton are dedicated to helping you find effective long-term legal solutions that protect the financial interests of you and your loved ones for years to come. 

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Read What Our Former Clients Have to Say
  • “Professional, courteous, vast knowledge and explanations were superior!”

    - Nicole G.
  • “I found his professionalism, clarity, and expertise very evident and would definitely recommend his practice.”

    - Lillie B.
  • “John Burton and his team are true professionals.”

    - Denise W.
  • “Our work with Attorney John Burton was all we had hoped it could be.”

    - Jim F.
  • “Mr. Burton and his team go above and beyond in ensuring that your assets and future are protected and organized!”

    - Adrea J.