What Happens When You Inherit an IRA from a Non-Spouse?

Marty’s brother, Ed, passed away suddenly. He never got married or had children, so he passed everything, including his Individual Retirement Account (IRA), to Marty. During one of the most difficult times in his life, while … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: How Much Compensation is a Fair Amount for an Executor of an Estate in Virginia?

Dear Oakley, My mother passed away last March in Fairfax. My brother, the estate executor, has been the one to navigate the estate administration process. The estate is still not completely settled 15 months later because of a … [Read more...]

How to Avoid Unnecessary Pain and Expense When a Loved One Dies

Q. I recently read in a Virginia publication about a man who was grieving the loss of his mother, who died during the Coronavirus pandemic, while experiencing what he referred to as the “awful business of settling the estate.” He … [Read more...]

Is it a Violation of HIPAA to Ask Someone if they’ve Been Vaccinated?

Josie shared on social media that she and her teenage son and daughter just got vaccinated against COVID-19. In a conversation at the school, Mary shared that she saw Josie’s post and that the three of them got their first dose. … [Read more...]

95-year-old Becomes Oldest Organ Donor in US History

Cecil Lockhart was a 95-year-old veteran from West Virginia. He worked in the West Virginia coal mines for more than 50 years, and also served as a corporal in the United States Army during World War II. He was married to his … [Read more...]

How Do You Handle Homeowners Insurance When Your House is in a Trust?

Q. We decided to get our estate planning documents done and our home is now in a revocable living trust. We feel good about taking this action because our loved ones will not be overburdened with the nightmare of probate when we … [Read more...]

When A Trust is Ambiguous

Q. I have been married to my second husband, Tony, for 10 years. We have two children together and three from both of our previous marriages. I am very close with my mother-in-law, Isabella who recently moved in with us and helps … [Read more...]

Does my Life Estate Qualify for Real Estate Tax Relief? Links for all County and City Tax Relief Applications.

Q. My mom has owned her home for over 20 years. Last year she came to your firm and did an irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust. Your firm deeded her house into the trust but had her keep a life estate in the house. She now … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: The Best Way to Show Your Loved Ones That You Care This Valentine’s Day

Dear Angel, On Valentine’s Day, most people buy chocolates, flowers, or jewelry, and go out for a fancy dinner or get carryout these days.  As a recent widow (my husband passed away two years ago), I don’t have a special … [Read more...]

What Do Different Generations Care Most About in Their Estate Planning?

Q. My daughter, Abby, is 30 and newly married. Similar to many of her friends, Abby and her husband decided to do their estate planning because the coronavirus got them thinking about their mortality. It got me and my husband, who … [Read more...]

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