Waynesboro Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Waynesboro, VA

If you are making decisions in Waynesboro about what to do with everything you own after your death, and your other affairs that should be wrapped up at that time, you are in the process of "estate planning."

Estate planning usually requires professional legal and financial advice, because of the complexity and importance of the issues involved. A poorly-executed estate plan can often end with survivors suing each other, and prevent your intentions from being effectuated.

While planning your estate, there are a few common issues that most people should consider. One big one is the decision relating to power of attorney, which is an arrangement where you give one person the power to make legally-binding decisions on your behalf. You can set up an agreement telling your representative exactly what power they have, what you want them to do, and when the power will vest (usually, if and when you become unable to make your own decisions).

The last thing a person wants to think about is the possibility that, after their death, their survivors are fighting over some part of their estate plan that's ambiguous or otherwise contentious. If you want to prevent this, or at least make it far less likely, you should have the help of a Waynesboro attorney every step of the way.

Common Features of Waynesboro Estates

Will: A will is often the central component of an estate plan. It is a legal document which says what is to be done with a person's assets after they die. It usually involves giving money and property to the testator's close family members, friends, and sometimes charitable organizations.

Living Will: A living will contains instructions about your medical care, generally for the purpose of informing your family and doctors of your preferences if you suddenly become incapacitated. A living will is very crucial if you have any strong preferences in this area. It should be written with the advice of a doctor, so you know the specific medical consequences of your decisions, and a lawyer, so it is virtually guaranteed to be legally binding.

Power of Attorney: Power of attorney, while important, is not to be used lightly. This is because it involves granting someone else the power to make legally-binding decisions on your behalf. Usually, your spouse will automatically have power of attorney if you become incapacitated. If you are not married, however, you need to make a document explicitly granting that authority to someone you trust (a life partner or close family member, for instance).

Funeral Arrangements: If you have any strong preferences regarding the disposition of your physical remains, you should make them known to your family early, and should not include funeral instructions in your will. Wills are often read weeks after the testator dies, so in most cases, it will be too late by then.

Do I Need a Waynesboro Estates Lawyer?

A poorly drafted or executed Waynesboro estate plan can have major negative consequences. For example, it might be confusing to the people who are most directly affected by it. This confusion can often lead to costly litigation. For that reason, the help of an experienced estate planning attorney can be invaluable.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Waynesboro

Waynesboro, Virginia is an independent city located in beautiful Agusta County. The city of Waynesboro derives its name from General Anthony Wayne -- a key figure in the American Revolutionary War. Waynesboro is home to close to 22,000 residents and is located on 15.4 square miles. Waynesboro is the famous home to P. Buckley Moss, a famous local artist who paints the landscape. The P. Buckley Moss Museum draws close to 45,000 visitors a year to Waynesboro.

Waynesboro is a city with a lot of American History. In addition to it's name, Waynesboro was the site of some important victories for General Anthony Wayne. Today, the city keeps that military spirit alive with various historical markers and also in their education. The Fishburne Military School is located in Waynesboro and is an all-male military school for grades 8-12.

Waynesbobro has more than history to offer its' residents. The city is also home to a thriving professional community with many talented lawyers, doctors, accountants, and businessmen. Waynesboro lawyers are some of the best in the business and just another aspect of this Virginia city that people enjoy.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Regel B.
Regel B.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Caldwell, LA

Brad M.
Brad M.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Sussex, NJ

David L.
David L.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ashland, OH