Estate Planning
Protect What Matters Most—Your Family, Your Assets, Your Legacy
Your estate is more than just assets—it’s the result of a lifetime of hard work, and it deserves to be protected, honored, and passed on according to your wishes. Without a clear plan in place, your loved ones could face legal challenges, unnecessary taxes, and costly probate battles. At Waltrip & Campbell, P.C., we make estate planning simple, ensuring your family’s future is secure and your legacy is protected.
What’s at Risk Without an Estate Plan?
- Family disputes over assets and inheritance
- Unnecessary probate delays and legal fees
- The state making decisions about your estate instead of you
- Loved ones facing financial and legal confusion
How We Help You Plan for the Future:
We use a proven 3-step legal analysis to help your case:
1. Tailored Estate Planning – We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all plans. We meet with you to determine the exact documents you need, including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Medical Directives.
2. Estate & Probate Litigation – If disputes arise, we advocate for beneficiaries and loved ones in Circuit Courts throughout Virginia to ensure assets are distributed fairly.
3. Tax & Asset Protection Strategies – We help minimize estate taxes and protect assets from unnecessary legal complications.
Your legacy deserves more than uncertainty. Whether you need a will, trust, or guidance through the probate process, we are here to help. Contact Waltrip & Campbell, P.C. today to start protecting your future.
Cases We Handle:
- Last Will & Testament
- Power of Attorney
- Advanced Medical Directive
- Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information (HIPAA)
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Probate
- Trust Administration
- Estate Litigation
- Guardianship/Conservatorship
WE PROMISE NOT TO SELL YOU SERVICES YOU DON’T NEED
Virginia Estate Planning FAQ
What is included in an estate plan?
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes:
- A Last Will and Testament to distribute assets and name guardians for minor children
- A Revocable Living Trust (if needed) to avoid probate and manage assets
- Powers of Attorney for financial and healthcare decisions
- An Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) to outline end-of-life care wishes
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
A will is sufficient for many people, but a trust can be beneficial if you:
- Want to avoid probate
- Have minor children or beneficiaries with special needs
- Own property in multiple states
- Want to set conditions on inheritance (e.g., gradual distributions)
Can a revocable trust help me avoid probate in Virginia?
Yes, assets held in a revocable living trust bypass probate, allowing for a quicker, private, and more efficient transfer to beneficiaries without court involvement.
How do I establish guardianship or conservatorship for a loved one in Virginia?
You must file a petition in court and provide medical evidence proving that your loved one is unable to manage their personal or financial affairs. A court hearing will determine if a guardian or conservator is necessary, and the judge will appoint someone to act in their best interest.
Are there alternatives to guardianship and conservatorship?
Yes, depending on the situation, less restrictive options may be available, such as:
- Durable Power of Attorney (POA): Allows a trusted person to make financial and legal decisions on behalf of someone who becomes incapacitated.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney & Advance Medical Directive: Allows a designated person to make medical decisions based on the individual’s wishes.
- Special Needs Trust (SNT): Helps individuals with disabilities receive financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or SSI.
- Representative Payee: For individuals receiving Social Security benefits, a representative payee can be appointed to manage their funds.
Success Stories
From start to finish, the process was seemless. I would recommend this firm to family and friends without hesitation. You will not be disappointed.
★★★★★
– Allain B.
I have worked with Brandon Waltrip and his team to navigate several business legal issues. I can’t say enough about their knowledge, ability and genuine care for their clients. In each instance, my matter was handled swiftly and thoroughly and I always felt confident that they took the time to understand the matter before delivering their advice or work.
★★★★★
– Will M.
