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Tysons Corner Estate Planning

Estate Planning Attorney in Tysons Corner

Your Path to Securing Your Family’s Legacy and Future

At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we know that effective estate planning is a crucial step in protecting your family's future. Our dedicated team of estate planning attorneys in Tysons Corner, VA, combines personalized service with comprehensive legal solutions tailored to your unique needs. With over 20 years of experience, our estate planning attorneys provide the guidance necessary to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning effortlessly.

Rely on the expertise of a skilled estate planning lawyer. Contact us or call (888) 885-9001 now to arrange your consultation without delay.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services in Tysons Corner

Our estate planning services are designed for the orderly management and distribution of your assets. Estate planning involves various elements, including wills, trusts, and tax considerations, to ensure a smooth transition of assets to future generations. We provide a holistic approach that addresses:

  • Wills & Trusts: Personalized structures for asset allocation and protection.
  • Probate & Trust Administration: Efficient management of estate affairs following a loved one’s passing.
  • Elder Law: Planning for long-term care and safeguarding elder rights.
  • Asset Protection: Defending assets against potential creditors or unforeseen events.
  • Business Law: Assistance with business succession and meticulous legal planning.

Our approach integrates these areas to build a legal framework that withstands the test of time. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of your financial situation to align our strategies with your family's goals. Familiarity with Virginia’s estate laws, combined with our local court system insights, ensures practical and relevant estate planning strategies.

Why Choose J.S. Burton’s Firm?

We are dedicated to building lifelong relationships, crafting strategies that span generations. Our focus goes beyond immediate solutions to ensure long-term wealth preservation. Clients choose us for our:

  • Client-First Approach: Tailored services matching specific client needs.
  • Experienced Team: Over 20 years of providing trusted legal counsel.
  • Geographic Accessibility: Serving Virginia and Washington, D.C., from strategic locations.

Our presence in Tysons Corner allows us to deeply understand the local community. We do more than just legal consultation; we work alongside you to create a family legacy resilient to legal changes, providing peace of mind. We offer comprehensive guidance throughout the estate planning process, ensuring you feel supported and informed at every step.

The Estate Planning Process with Our Attorneys

Our detailed process ensures a stress-free journey through estate planning. We'll assess your individual needs, address potential risks, and integrate local statutes to ensure compliance. Key steps include:

  • Initial Consultation: Understanding your unique situation and objectives.
  • Plan Development: Crafting a comprehensive plan that covers all estate planning aspects.
  • Document Preparation: Preparing necessary legal documents, including wills and trusts.
  • Implementation: Executing the plan with clarity and precision.
  • Ongoing Support: Offering continued guidance for updates or changes.

The Virginia Code governs estates, and Tysons Corner residents benefit from our local insights, ensuring compliance with tailored strategies. We track legislative changes to maintain the relevance of your estate planning strategy. Our localized approach ensures that your estate is managed by a partner committed to preserving your legacy.

Connect with an experienced estate planning attorney without delay. Submit an online form to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves strategies for managing assets and personal affairs in the event of incapacity or death. This includes creating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we assist clients in developing plans that safeguard their wishes and secure their family’s future. Effective estate planning minimizes conflict, manages tax obligations, and protects beneficiaries. Our attorneys in Tysons Corner provide personalized strategies that incorporate local legal insights to create robust estate plans that truly reflect your unique needs and desires.

Why Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney?

An estate planning attorney ensures your documents are legally valid and reflect your wishes. At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., our attorneys in Tysons Corner ensure compliance with Virginia laws while addressing your specific goals. Estate planning can involve complex decisions about assets, tax implications, and more, requiring a professional touch. With our guidance, you can trust that your estate plan not only meets immediate needs but also secures your family's future and reduces stress and conflict for your loved ones.

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

An estate plan should be reviewed every few years or after significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or financial shifts. At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we provide ongoing support to ensure your estate plan evolves with your life and adheres to new legal standards. Our Tysons Corner attorneys assist you in keeping your plan aligned with your needs, ensuring peace of mind. Regular updates help prevent issues like unintended beneficiaries or outdated provisions, keeping your estate plan effective and aligned with your intentions.

What Documents Are Important in Estate Planning?

Key documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. A will dictates asset distribution, trusts offer tax benefits, and powers of attorney allow others to make critical financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf. Our attorneys at J. S. Burton, P.L.C. work with Tysons Corner clients to ensure these documents reflect your intentions accurately and comply with local laws. Beyond preparation, we educate clients on their significance in protecting your estate and ensuring your wishes are honored.

Can I DIY My Estate Plan?

While DIY estate plans might seem economical, they often lack the legal precision required for effective asset transfer. Mistakes can lead to disputes or unforeseen costs. The complexities of local laws necessitate expert involvement. At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we provide Tysons Corner residents with expert guidance that ensures comprehensive solutions accounting for all legal and financial considerations. Our estate plans are tailored to your unique needs, preventing common mistakes and promoting peace within your family, so your final wishes are carried out seamlessly.

Secure Your Family’s Future with J.S. Burton

Start your estate planning journey with J. S. Burton, P.L.C. to benefit from our expert guidance, experience, and dedication to preserving your family's legacy. We are more than service providers; we're partners in crafting a resilient legacy. Contact us at (888) 885-9001 for your consultation and learn how our personalized approach clarifies and eases your estate planning process. Our team is committed to reducing your stress by developing a well-rounded plan addressing both immediate needs and future aspirations. Let us help secure the future you envision for your loved ones.

Our qualified estate planning lawyer in Tysons Corner is here to assist you. Call (888) 885-9001 or use our online form to schedule your initial consultation without delay.

Opinions That Matter Most

Read What Our Former Clients Have to Say
    "I give them a 5* plus! Honest, Reliable, and Caring!"
    John Burton is the best and most honest that I have found. You can rely on him for all your needs. Once you have spoken to him, you won't be going anywhere else.
    - Richard K.
    "We highly recommend them"
    We recently had our Living Trust prepared by Fallon at JS Burton, PLC and they did an excellent job. Everything was explained in great detail and Fallon was awesome to work with! We highly recommend them for estate planning services.
    - Paul H.
    "An excellent estate planning attorney"
    Mr. Burton, Esq. is an excellent estate planning attorney and I recommend him with a 5 star rating. He is patient and answers all questions. His organization of the plan that he provided was in a binder and very complete.
    - Jeffrey S.
    "Very professional, friendly, thoughtful, and highly knowledgeable, Fallon expedited preparation and delivery of my documents. Overall, this was an awesome experience"

    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 would highly recommend him."
    I have met with Mr Burton several times and always found him to be professional and personable
    - Bonnie T.
    "Highly recommended for estate planning"
    We were heard and guided to do the best for our families needs
    - Fred S.
    "Friendly and personable service."
    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.
    "Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!"
    Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!
    - Krystin R.

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    FAQs

    • What estate planning documents should I have?
      A comprehensive estate plan should include the following documents, prepared by an attorney based on in-depth counseling which takes into account your particular family and financial situation:

      A Living Trust can be used to hold legal title to and provide a mechanism to manage your property. You (and your spouse) are the Trustee(s) and beneficiaries of your trust during your lifetime. You also designate successor Trustees to carry out your instructions in case of death or incapacity. Unlike a will, a trust usually becomes effective immediately after incapacity or death. Your Living Trust is "revocable" which allows you to make changes and even to terminate it. One of the great benefits of a properly funded Living Trust is the fact that it will avoid or minimize the expense, delays, and publicity associated with probate.

      If you have a Living Trust-based estate plan, you also need a pour-over will. For those with minor children, the nomination of a guardian must be set forth in a will. The other major function of a pour-over will is that it allows the executor to transfer any assets owned by the decedent into the decedent's trust so that they are distributed according to its terms.

      A Will, also referred to as a Last Will and Testament, is primarily designed to transfer your assets according to your wishes. A Will also typically names someone to be your Executor, who is the person you designate to carry out your instructions. If you have minor children, you should also name a Guardian as well as alternate Guardians in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. A Will only becomes effective upon your death, and after it is admitted by a probate court.

      A Durable Power of Attorney for Property allows your agent to carry on your financial affairs in the event that you become disabled. Unless you have a properly drafted power of attorney, it may be necessary to apply to a court to have a guardian or conservator appointed to make decisions for you during a period of incapacitation. This guardianship process is time-consuming, expensive, emotionally draining and often costs thousands of dollars.

      There are generally two types of durable powers of attorney: a present durable power of attorney in which the power is immediately transferred to your agent (also known as your attorney in fact); and a springing or future durable power of attorney that only comes into effect upon your subsequent disability as determined by your doctor. Anyone can be designated, most commonly your spouse or domestic partner, a trusted family member, or friend. Appointing an agent assures that your wishes are carried out exactly as you want them, allows you to decide who will make decisions for you, and is effective immediately upon subsequent disability.

      The law allows you to appoint someone you trust to decide about medical treatment options if you lose the ability to decide for yourself. You can do this by using a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care or Health Care Proxy where you designate the person or persons to make such decisions on your behalf. You can allow your health care agent to decide about all health care or only about certain treatments. You may also give your agent instructions that he or she has to follow. Your agent can then ensure that health care professionals follow your wishes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers must follow your agent's decisions as if they were your own.

      A Living Will informs others of your preferred medical treatment should you become permanently unconscious, terminally ill, or otherwise unable to make or communicate decisions regarding treatment. In conjunction with other estate planning tools, it can bring peace of mind and security while avoiding unnecessary expense and delay in the event of future incapacity.

      Some medical providers have refused to release information, even to spouses and adult children authorized by durable medical powers of attorney, on the grounds that the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, prohibits such releases. In addition to the above documents, you should also sign a HIPAA authorization form that allows the release of medical information to your agents, your successor trustees, your family and other people whom you designate.
    • How do I name a guardian for my children?
      If you have children under the age of eighteen, you should designate a person or persons to be appointed guardian(s) over their person and property. Of course, if a surviving parent lives with the minor children (and has custody over them), he or she automatically continues to remain their sole guardian. This is true despite the fact that others may be named as the guardian in your estate planning documents. You should name at least one alternate guardian in case the primary guardian cannot serve or is not appointed by the court.
    • What does my estate include?

      Your estate is simply everything that you own, anywhere in the world, including:

      • Your home or any other real estate that you own
      • Your business
      • Your share of any joint accounts
      • The full value of your retirement accounts
      • Any life insurance policies that you own
      • Any property owned by a trust, over which you have a significant control
    • Why is it important to establish an estate plan?

      Sadly, many individuals don’t engage in formal estate planning because they don’t think that they have “a lot of assets” or mistakenly believe that their assets will be automatically shared among their children upon their passing. If you don’t make proper legal arrangements for the management of your assets and affairs after your passing, the state’s intestacy laws will take over upon your death. This often results in the wrong people getting your assets as well as higher estate taxes.

      If you pass away without establishing an estate plan, your estate would undergo probate, a public, court-supervised proceeding. Probate can be expensive and tie up the assets of the deceased for a prolonged period before beneficiaries can receive them. Even worse, your failure to outline your intentions through proper estate planning can tear apart your family as each person maneuvers to be appointed with the authority to manage your affairs. Further, it is not unusual for bitter family feuds to ensue over modest sums of money or a family heirloom.