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Virginia Estate Planning Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: My ex-husband left the majority of his money to our son in a trust. He also left $80,000 to two charities but did not

have the funds to cover same. Must the money for these charitable bequests be taken from my son's trust?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 31, 2023

You need to review these matters with a lawyer. If the trust is a pourover trust which was funded from the estate, you get a different answer than if it was a funded inter vivos trust. It's also different depending on the source of the charitable funds. A review of the will, the trust, and the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: I would like to live in my house till I die and leave it to my son who lives with me. A neighbor said file a quick claim

I am divorced. want to file quick claim deed . Im

age 90 he lives with me now. a neighbor also said deed of gift

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 16, 2023

Your neighbors are wrong. Giving away your property means giving away your property. It is your son’s property from that date, and he can put you in a nursing home or begin renovations immediately once it is his. The fee cheaper solution is a simple will drafted by a lawyer. If there are other... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: We have existing will and trust. Can we modify current successor trustee with an addendum we create and notarize?
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Nov 21, 2022

I agree with Mr. Wilson, and I would add that the expense saved by turning this into a DIY job may be dwarfed by the expense of fixing it later. For example, the Will and the Trust should not be modified in the same document. The Will is a transitory documents, but the Trust is active upon... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: We have existing will and trust. Can we modify current successor trustee with an addendum we create and notarize?
James H. Wilson Jr.
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James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Nov 21, 2022

A will may be modfied with a codicil. Most attorney advise against the use of a codicil for various reasons. As it requires the same formalities as a will, the testator is often better off by simply writing a new will.

A trust may be modified in accordance with its terms, or, in certain...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Virginia on
Q: My mother passed, had no will, my sister was handling the estate. She works for a criminal attorney that is now handling

My mothers estate? But mind you he couldn't represent me in criminal court because of conflict of interest cause my sister works for him. Should be the same with the estate?? I asked my sister for a copy of estate paper work and I'm getting no response? I need to know what my rights are... View More

Ross Cameron Hart
Ross Cameron Hart
answered on Nov 12, 2022

In my opinion lawyers who focus on one area of the law shouldn't dabble in areas of law they aren't familiar with. It can breed malpractice claims.

There are a lot of missing pieces in your short question. I suggest you consult an experienced probate law firm for a consultation...
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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 Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: My house is in my name only. It is in an irrevocable trust with me as the only trustee.

Will this help me in getting my husband, who doesn't want a divorce, to move out? Is he entitled to anything if it is sold?

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

No attorney will be able to answer your question without reviewing the trust instrument itself and probably also at least a couple of deeds in the chain of title. More information might also be required. You really need to consult with an attorney about this in person.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Banking for Virginia on
Q: I have possession of a deceased family member's deed of trust. She's not listed on it, but holds title to it. Virginia

The transaction has been paid off, but I have not seen any deed actually signed over to officially own the property without question. I also was given possession of the deed to hold safely, but was not named executor of her will. What, if any, rights to I have in the say of what happens to her... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jul 23, 2023

The assumptions in your posting indicate that you haven’t a clue as to proving title in Virginia. Seek out local, Virginia, real estate counsel, run a current owner search, and review the results.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Virginia on
Q: Seeking some clarification on the language used within a Last Will and Testament of a decedent naming two beneficiaries.

The Personal Property clause of the Will states that all of the personal property that has not been directed as specific bequests, or a part of the residual estate, be equally distributed among the two name beneficiaries.

Additionally, the Residual Estate clause states that the property,... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jun 20, 2023

Reviewing your question without actually reading the will and interviewing about the circumstances is, in my view, rank malpractice. Indeed, I just took a CLE class this week that agreed that such a review might create a conflict of interests. Get a lawyer to review the specific facts. Many lawyers... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Elder Law and Probate for Virginia on
Q: I have a question regarding being POA?

Father has left sister and I POA, we can act jointly or separately. Issue my sister aren't seeing eye to eye on is my father's 3rd largest asset (750K) is his home that is actually a vacation home. Lived there full time before he got sick. House is deteriorating, needs at least 35k in... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 3, 2023

Hire a VA attorney to file a Conservatorship. The POA is not working, and was probably drafted in error.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Public Benefits for Virginia on
Q: I believe a high pension no cash out makes me ineligible for Medicaid. My state no Miller trust to live at poverty

Level which is undesirable. Will or living trust? Any Help with elder orphan status in law firms trustee holder. Executor, financial poa esp if not a solo law office?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Dec 25, 2022

It is difficult for me to understand your question as written, but, in any event, there is no way to analyze your situation in any usable manner without reviewing your finances, the trust, and your state's Medicaid law. There are often means to qualify for Medicaid using special needs trusts,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Probate and Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: Suspect Trust having funds dispersed illegally. CA Orange County trust but I'm in VA and executor in Seattle. What to do

Stepmom/Bio Dad created Joint Trust in 2004. Stepmom began making changes to Trust in 2018/19 while Dad having dementia. Wouldn't say what she did . She died in 2020. Financial POA went to elder twin daughter of stepmom. She wouldn't give any info. Then she died in 2022. Now younger... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Oct 1, 2022

There is no competent way such specifics can be resolved in an Internet forum outside of privilege and without reviewing the trust documents. Start with a lawyer in your state, and, if it turns to litigation, you might need counsel that has jurisdiction over the trust or the trustee in California... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Virginia on
Q: How do I obtain a death certificate…

My fiancée of whom we shared a child together passed away unexpectedly from a stroke. And of course it’s a case of I ntestate succession. Vital statistics customer service told me that since our daughter is a minor and I am not next of kin I can’t obtain a death certificate. Is this true??... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Sep 14, 2022

Interesting issue. His daughter plainly has standing, and you are surely eligible to be her next friend. But, let's start simpler by approaching this through the need you have. If he has an estate, are his parents filing it? You don't need the death certificate if they get it unless... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Foreclosure for Virginia on
Q: What legal actions can my aunt, brother, sister and myself take since we were the heirs to my grandfathers estate in Tx.

We were all served paperwork stating that the property would be auctioned off to pay what's owed and we would receive the difference. A couple weeks after the auction date I contacted the law office in charge of the sale to see how much the property sold for. I was told it didnt go to auction... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Sep 8, 2022

Wow. You probably did a very stupid thing by not stepping in. In a foreclosure, the secured and foreclosing party will bid as much but not more than what is called the upset price. That is the amount they are owed after fees and expenses. In a very hot market, especially with all the many varieties... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: When splitting up the money left in an estate, how do I take out judgements against beneficiaries paid by the estate?

I have 2 siblings, both of which had separate judgements paid off by the estate when we sold the family farm. The siblings along with myself were listed as co-owners of the estate when my dad passed, so the judgements had to be paid before any funds from the sale were released. I shouldn't... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Sep 8, 2022

Take the net proceeds of the sale and add back the amounts of the judgements that were paid, then divide that sum by the number of equal shares. Each beneficiary’s share is that quantity less the amount of judgements paid on his or her behalf.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Virginia on
Q: Hello iam the beneficary of my mother's estate and it is in the will to sell her house and to split the preceding with

My 6 siblings and one will not get out for me to sell the house in virginia. What can I do without having to go through probate

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Sep 2, 2022

Without Probate, the Will means nothing. Any of the Heirs as Tenants In Common can file a Partition action.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Virginia on
Q: My brother died he and a friend bought a house years ago and he willed everything to me how do I get my half of equity

I live in PA and the house is in VA, what would I have to do to get my half of the equity in the property

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Aug 27, 2022

The answer depends on a number of issues, but, at least theoretically, you already own the property subject to the estate’s need to sell it to pay creditors. What you need to do is determine the liquidity of the estate and the complete title to the property, and, if you share title, determine the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: Is a verbal commitment legal in the courts.

My parents told me they wanted to leave me their house when they both past away. I sold my house and moved in with them. One year later my father pasted away and not even 2 months later my mom said that she wasn't going to leave me the house because she had 3 other kids to think about. Is this... View More

James H. Wilson Jr.
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James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Aug 14, 2022

Almost all contracts are verbal, either oral (spoken) or written. A last will and testament requires certain formalities, as does a revocable or irrevocable trust. Both must be in writing and signed. In spite of the absence of a written will, trust, or contract, in some instances a court can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Virginia on
Q: When my Aunt dies, what will need to be done to give out monies/belonging left in her will?

I currently have guardianship and conservatorship over my Aunt. She is elderly and in a nursing home with hospice care. Hospice has asked me to start preparing for her funeral arrangements. She has a living will that will leave everything to myself and my brother. Is there a legal way I am supposed... View More

James H. Wilson Jr.
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James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Aug 4, 2022

A living will is an advance medical directive. It contains instructions for medical care if the principal becomes incapacitated.

I will assume you mean a will and I will assume that your aunt resides in Virginia, although you appear to be posting from Maryland.

Once your aunt...
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