Estate Planning Attorney in Halifax County, Virginia
Also serving Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, and surrounding counties.
An estate plan can include some of the most important decisions of your life. We understand that you don't enjoy thinking about death and incapacity. That's why we will always meet you with compassion and understanding. At the Law Office of John A. Terry, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping you navigate and create your estate plan, so that you can have the peace of mind you deserve. Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for you. Because of that, we offer these services virtually for those that are unable to make it to our office or can't find the time. Call us today to schedule your estate planning consultation.
What does Estate Planning include?
WILL
A "Will" is a document that will allow you to determine what happens with your property and belongings after your death, and who you wish to be the beneficiary of your estate.
TRUST
A "Trust" is a document that creates a legal entity that can hold property or finances. The trust can be revocable (meaning that you can amend or terminate the trust at any time) or irrevocable (meaning that it can generally not be changed after it is established). A key benefit of a trust is that it can allow you to pass your property or belongings to your heirs outside of probate. A trust also has financial, tax, and asset protection benefits.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
A power of attorney allows you to chose an individual to manage your daily affairs, business, investments, finances, and more, in the event you are unable to make those decisions for yourself.
ADVANCED MEDICAL DIRECTIVE
An Advanced Medical Directive (sometimes referred to a "Living Will") will allow you to designate someone to make medical decisions for you in the event of your incapacity. It can also allow you to designate the types of medical care or procedures that you wish to have withheld.
Guardianship Designations
If you have minor children, you need an estate plan that will provide for them in the event of your death or incapacity. As a part of this, you need to chose a trusted friend or family member to care for your children.
Special Needs Trust
If you have a special needs child or family member, you will likely need a Special Needs Trust to provide for their needs and care after your death. This can allow you to appoint a care taker, as well as leave property for their care without interfering with assistance, such as SSI or medicaid.