Probate & Estate Administration Lawyer in Tysons Corner

Guiding Your Family Through a Difficult Transition

When a loved one dies, you may suddenly find yourself responsible for legal and financial tasks you never expected. You want to honor their wishes and protect your family, yet the Virginia probate process can feel confusing and intimidating. You do not have to sort this out on your own. Our probate attorney works with families in and around Tysons Corner to bring order and clarity to a difficult time.

J. S. Burton, P.L.C. is a boutique Virginia law firm with more than 20 years of experience in estate planning, probate, trust administration, and related areas. From our McLean office, we help local families understand their options, address court requirements, and move the estate forward at a manageable pace. Our goal is to give you a clear path, steady guidance, and space to focus on your family.

Seek experienced assistance from a qualified probate attorney. Call (888) 885-9001 or contact us right away to secure your consultation.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

When you are grieving and juggling work, family, and paperwork, you need more than forms and checklists. You need a legal team that listens carefully, explains your choices, and helps you make decisions that fit your family. At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we take a personalized, client-first approach to every probate and estate administration matter.

From the beginning, we take time to understand your loved one’s wishes, the assets involved, and your family dynamics. We then tailor our guidance so you are not pushed into a one-size-fits-all process. Our attorneys stay accessible and responsive, and we work to explain each step in plain language so you always know what is happening and why.

We also look beyond the immediate court filings. Our firm uses a holistic, multigenerational approach, which means we consider how today’s probate decisions may affect your long-term goals. If the estate involves a family business, rental properties, existing trusts, or charitable gifts, we draw on our experience in business law, trust administration, elder law, and asset protection to help you manage these pieces in a coordinated way. This approach can lead to smoother administration now and a stronger foundation for the next generation.

Because we focus on building lasting relationships with families throughout Virginia and Washington, D.C., many clients continue working with us after probate. They often ask us to update their own estate plans or plan for future asset transfers. Knowing that we will be here for your family in the years ahead can provide reassurance at a time when so much else feels uncertain.

Understanding Probate & Estate Administration

Before you can decide what to do next, it helps to understand what probate and estate administration mean. In Virginia, probate is the court process that recognizes a will as valid and authorizes someone to act for the estate. Estate administration is the broader set of tasks that follow, such as gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, and making distributions to beneficiaries.

For residents of the Tysons area, many probate matters are handled through the Fairfax County Circuit Court, with financial reporting overseen by the Commissioner of Accounts. The court typically appoints an executor named in the will, or an administrator if there is no will. That personal representative must follow Virginia rules and local procedures when managing the estate.

Not every asset has to pass through probate. Accounts with named beneficiaries, life insurance, and some jointly owned property may pass directly to the next owner. However, families often still need help coordinating these transfers with the rest of the estate. A probate lawyer can help you understand which assets require court involvement, which do not, and how everything fits together so nothing important is overlooked.

Many people also worry that probate automatically means years of delay or public courtroom battles. In practice, many Virginia estates proceed in an orderly way when required inventories, accountings, and notices are handled properly. Our role is to help you follow the rules, reduce avoidable delays, and address potential conflicts before they escalate.

First Steps After a Loved One Dies

The first weeks after a death can feel like a blur. You may be arranging services, supporting family members, and handling urgent bills, all while trying to understand what the law requires. Taking a few careful steps early can protect the estate and make the later probate process smoother.

Typically, estates for residents of Tysons Corner are opened in Fairfax County. The timing often depends on finding the original will and identifying who is willing and able to serve as executor or administrator. Speaking with an attorney before you file can help you choose the right path and avoid missteps, such as distributing assets too early or paying certain debts in the wrong order.

In the first weeks, it is often helpful to:

• Locate the original will, trust documents, and any letters of instruction.
• Secure the home and other property, and gather keys and access information.
• Collect key records such as bank statements, deeds, retirement account details, and life insurance information.
• Avoid selling or giving away assets until you understand the legal process.
• Schedule a meeting with an attorney to discuss whether and how to open an estate.

When you contact J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we review your situation, explain what Virginia law generally requires, and help you prioritize your next steps. This can reduce the risk of personal liability for the personal representative and limit confusion or tension among family members. Many clients tell us that simply understanding the sequence of tasks lifts a significant weight.

How We Guide Estate Administration

Once an estate is opened, the real work of administration begins. Our probate lawyers focus on guiding executors and administrators through each phase, so you can meet your obligations without feeling overwhelmed. We strive to keep you informed, answer questions in plain English, and handle legal details that would be difficult to manage alone.

During the early phase, we typically help you qualify as a personal representative, obtain necessary certificates, and notify interested parties. We then work with you to identify, value, and document estate assets, which may include real estate, investment accounts, business interests, and personal property. Accurate inventories and records are essential because they are reviewed by the Commissioner of Accounts.

We also help address debts, expenses, and taxes. This can involve reviewing creditor claims, determining the appropriate payment order under Virginia law, and coordinating with tax professionals when returns are required. Our background in elder law, asset protection, and business law is especially valuable when the estate includes closely held businesses, rental properties, or prior planning structures such as family limited liability companies.

Throughout administration, communication is critical. We work to keep beneficiaries informed in a way that is appropriate and to support the personal representative in difficult conversations. When issues arise, such as disagreements about property or questions about a will, we can advise you on available options and help you seek resolutions that align with your loved one’s documented wishes.

Many clients also want to understand costs. While every estate is different, probate and administration fees are often paid from estate assets rather than out of pocket by the executor. We explain our fee structure before we begin work and discuss likely variables, such as the number of assets, potential disputes, or the need for additional documents. We aim to make costs as predictable and transparent as possible so you can plan with confidence.

Serving Tysons Corner & Northern Virginia

Our McLean office is a short distance from Tysons Corner, which makes it convenient for clients who live or work in the area’s commercial corridors. Many of the people we serve juggle demanding careers, commuting schedules, and family responsibilities, so we structure meetings and communication with that reality in mind. We offer options for in-person and remote consultations when appropriate, depending on the needs of the matter.

Because we regularly work with the Fairfax County Circuit Court and the Commissioner of Accounts, we understand local expectations for filings, inventories, and accountings. This familiarity can help reduce unnecessary back and forth and give clients a clearer sense of what to expect as the estate progresses. We can also help you think through practical issues, such as coordinating the sale of local property or working with out-of-state heirs.

Families in the Tysons area often have ties across Virginia and Washington, D.C. Our firm is accustomed to helping clients who have assets or beneficiaries in multiple jurisdictions. We work to coordinate probate and estate administration tasks with existing estate plans, trusts, and business structures, so you are not left trying to piece everything together alone.

Act fast to connect with an experienced probate lawyer in Tysons Corner. Use our online form to begin right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to open probate in Virginia?

Not every estate requires formal probate, but many do. It usually depends on the types of assets, how they are titled, and whether there is a valid will. We can review your loved one’s documents and assets and advise you on whether and how to open an estate in Fairfax County.

How long does probate usually take here?

The length of probate varies, but many Virginia estates take several months to a year or more. Timing depends on factors such as asset complexity, creditor issues, and whether disputes arise. We help you set realistic expectations and work to keep your matter moving as efficiently as circumstances allow.

What are my risks as executor or administrator?

Executors and administrators in Virginia have legal duties, and mistakes can create personal liability in some situations. Risks often involve mishandling assets, paying the wrong creditors, or missing required filings. A probate lawyer at our firm can guide you through your responsibilities and help you follow the rules so you can reduce those risks.

How do your fees for probate work?

We discuss fees with you at the outset and explain how they apply to your situation. Probate and administration fees are often paid from estate assets, not from your personal funds. We aim to make costs as clear and predictable as possible and to adjust our approach to the complexity of the estate.

Can you help with trusts and business assets?

Yes. Our practice includes trust administration, asset protection, and business law, so we regularly assist with estates that involve trusts, family companies, or professional practices. We work to coordinate probate with these other pieces so your family is not managing multiple advisors or conflicting strategies.

Talk With Our Estate Administration Team

Probate and estate administration involve legal rules, financial decisions, and family relationships, all at a time when you are already under strain. You do not have to carry this alone. Our attorneys help families in and around Tysons Corner understand their options, meet their obligations, and move forward with greater confidence.

When you contact J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we take the time to listen, review your documents, and outline practical next steps. We bring more than 20 years of experience in Virginia estate planning, probate, and multigenerational planning, and we strive to build a relationship that supports your family now and in the future.

Call (888) 885-9001 to schedule a consultation with our probate attorney.