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Questions Answered by Dominic Paul Lascara
4 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning, Land Use & Zoning and Probate for Virginia on
Q: Can someone will property to another person when I was deed certain parts of the property 19 years ago?

If I was deed certain parcels of a property but they also will the entire property to someone else ( I assume this world be including my parcels considering it’s all one address) how does this work? Would I have to create a new address to live on my property or is that even possible?? What does... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Apr 17, 2024

Your question is not clear as to what you are asking, so I am going to guess that you are asking if someone can devise (gift) real estate under a Will, when part of the real estate was subdivided with several parcels being conveyed out during the decedent' lifetime. The Will can effectively... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Virginia on
Q: Can any of the surviving children take step mother to court during probate in Virginia?

A man and a women get married, joining each other with 1 child each from a previous marriage. Together they have 1 child together. Over 30 years pass and the mother dies suddenly without a will. Father gets everything. Father remarries someone from a foreign country, she has two adult children and... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Mar 6, 2024

First of all, if the first wife in your questions dies without a will in Virginia, the laws of intestate succession govern the distribution of her probate assets. In this case, the husband would receive one-third (not including potential spousal claims) and all of the children of the wife would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: Donation of property requested for easement

I live in Virginia. I just got a letter today from the city asking for me to donate over 1000 Sq ft of my property for a utilities easement. This section would cover the entire width of my front yard back 13ft from the road including my only access to my driveway (its a dead end) and a section of... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Feb 22, 2024

By donating the property, the City will get use of that portion of your property for free. You may get a reduced property assessment from the loss or the shared use of the property, resulting in lower taxes, but the value of your property will also be reduced. If this portion of your property can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: What is the Virginia statute of limitations involving a third party promissory note with a deed of trust?

Last payment made Dec 2014. Have not heard from note holder until Feb 2024 threatening foreclosure, interest, and legal fees.

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Feb 15, 2024

Keep in mind that in the State of Virginia the statute of limitations on the enforcement of the underlying Deed of Trust is 10 years from the maturity date (VA Code Section 8.01-241). If the Deed of Trust does not state the maturity date, the statute of limitations on the enforcement of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Business Formation and Business Law for Virginia on
Q: Do I only need a DBA in the state where my business is located or do I need DBAs in all 50 states and/or counties?

In general, are DBAs only required when market and run a domain under a different name, conduct bank transactions under a different name, or both?

For reference, I am attempting to engage in e-commerce as a sole proprietor under a different name. The business involves selling physical products.

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Feb 12, 2024

If you are operating your business under an "assumed" name, "trade" name or a "fictitious" name, you should file the propert fictitious name certificate in every state that you are doing business and you should confirm that your entity is authorized to do business in those states.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Virginia on
Q: How can we sell my mother's house when one of the coowners on the deed died before signing off on the deed?

My mother has moved to a senior living home and needs to sell her house. She is coowner (60%) along with 5 of her children. The sale cannot go forward since one of the children died last year and his will presumably naming his wife as executrix is hung up in probate court in the US Virgin... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Feb 8, 2024

With the issue of the one child's estate being hung up in probate in the Virgin Islands and not knowing the terms of the child's last will and testament, you only course of action may be to contact a local attorney where the property is located and file a suit for partition. The court... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Probate for Virginia on
Q: Can the estate be responsible for the medical bills of the decedent ?

As the husband of the decedent, I am the only person in the estate.

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Feb 6, 2024

Generally speaking, the Executor or the Administrator of a decedent's estate is responsible for the debts of the estate, assuming the estate has sufficient assets to pay the claims. Virginia Code Section 64.2-528 provides the order of priority when paying debts.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Virginia on
Q: My father died over two years ago. My brother is the executor. He is not communicating with me anymore.

I have contacted the circuit court and they are saying my brother is failing to provide information. I think my brother is hiding something. Should I hire my own attorney?

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Jan 24, 2024

You may need to hire an attorney to look into your brother's actions while serving as the Executor in your father's estate. Your brother has a fiduciary duty to protect your interest and deal fairly and openly with you. His actions or inactions could warrant his removal as the Executor.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Virginia on
Q: Do proceeds from real estate go into an estate account or directly to beneficiaries/next of kin?

My father died a year ago and we are still settling debt and selling property. There was no will. The estate is handled by an administrator. We sold a property and our closing lawyer says we get the proceeds and they do not go into the estate account. There are still debts to be settled. If we... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Dec 5, 2023

Unfortunately, I need more information to properly answer your questions. Was there a will? Is the estate being handled by an Executor or an Administrator? Does the fiduciary have power of sale over the real estate? Normally, if there are debts and claims owing by the estate, no probate assets... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: I am trying to find the law/order on mortgage/promissary statute of limitations in the state of virginia

Mortgage lender hasn't contacted me for over 9 years with no payments made for 9 years. Now received a letter stating it is from a "debt collector" which appears to be an attorney's office.

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Nov 20, 2023

In Virginia, a deed of trust with a stated maturity date has a statute of limitations of 10 years from the maturity. If there is no maturity date, the statute of limitations is 20 years from the recordation date of the deed of trust, except for credit line deeds of trust. With a credit line deed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Who can assist me with a quitclaim deed document?

I’m getting an uncontested divorce and under the terms of our agreement, refinance is scheduled to occur in a timeframe not to exceed 4 yrs. The loan is joint and so is the title. We have decided, I will stay in the house; can I change the title to my name via a quitclaim deed? Is it straight... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Nov 15, 2023

Any attorney that practices in the area of real estate should be able to assist you. I have drafted many deeds being executed pursuant to a divorce or a settlement agreement. However, when both parties are on the title to the property, I have never used a "Quitclaim" deed, but instead I... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Virginia on
Q: business license vs llc and DBA

I am currently a hobby potter and will be selling at local vendor events and art shows. I know I will need a local peddlers license (live in VA) from my city to do so. I have a branded name other than my own that I will use on signage and materials for this portion (eg. Fun Designs by Me).... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Apr 2, 2024

SInce it appears that you are not operating your "potter" business under your LLC, but as a sole proprietorship, you will need to get your business license in your individual name and as the trade name you use.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Virginia on
Q: Probate case (dying intestate) only 1 living heir (sibling). Are nieces & nephews of deceased siblings eligible?

Judge requests that I (only living heir) purchase a probate bond costing $8-10K. Judge said bond was needed to protect the other heirs in case I ran off with the shares of stock. However, it appears that Missouri law DOES NOT RECOGNIZE nieces & nephews as valid next of kin unless there are... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Mar 8, 2024

If the level of the heirs at law gets to siblings, then nieces and nephews of deceased siblings (and even great nieces and nephews, if applicable), become heirs at law.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: What are my legal options?

My mother passed away last year and was living on family owned land that was supposed to be put in her name and never was. The land is part of my grandfathers estate that passed away 1987-88.Now there is a dispute on how much land there is in the estate my grandfather left that was never... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Jan 22, 2024

I am not sure how to reply because there was no question asked. But, based on the information you provided, it is important for you to seek legal advice. Much more information is needed to fully address all of the issues raised in your email.

Thanks,

Dominic P. Lascara

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: I just signed a receipt of distribution for an estate in Virginia. How long till I receive payment?
Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Jan 3, 2024

You should expect the payment with the receipt. The receipt is normally provided to confirm that you have received the distribution. You should contact the fiduciary and question this.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: In Virginia, is there a statue of limitations on a real estate contract developed by a deceased person

My mother established a real estate contract in 2/15/2023 signed by a lawyer, a real estate agent herself and the executor of the estate. She passed away 4/22/2023. The lawyer did not issue the deeds for the home or land to complete the contract. Is the contract still valid?

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Dec 11, 2023

Generally, the stature of limitations for all written contracts is five years. However, with respect to a real estate contract the expiration of the settlement date could result in a termination of that contract. You should also be aware that the obligations of the parties could inure to their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Business Law for Virginia on
Q: What can my step dad do to receive his retirement money?

My step dad retired in March 2023 from USPS and was told he would be paid his retirement within 6 months. It’s been 7 months now and there is no positive updates. He worked for them and put in his years for 30 years and he is expected to sit around and not enjoy his retirement? Luckily, he is... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Nov 9, 2023

At this point, I can only recommend that you contract a labor law attorney. This is an attorney that handles employer and employee issues. Good luck!

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: What is the best way to make an occupant leave your home permanently? Can it be done in 30 days?
Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Nov 1, 2023

You ask a great question and much more information in needed to answer it thoroughly. Without having to resorts to the Courts to dispossess your occupant, the best route is to work it out with your occupant in a amicable manner.

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