For estate planning, wills, trusts, power of attorney and medical POA, call Gulick, Carson & Thorpe, P.C in Warrenton, VA, Gainesville, Haymarket and Culpeper. Estate planning eases the stress of not knowing what the future holds for you or your loved ones. Working with a skilled attorney on the creation of an estate plan ensures your wishes are followed. Gulick, Carson & Thorpe, P.C. can assist you with a variety legal practices, including estate planning matters.
Will Preparation
Virginia allows any mentally competent person over the age of 18 to make a will. While state law does not require you to have a lawyer create your will, you should seek legal counsel to ensure all paperwork complies with Virginia’s regulations. Gulick, Carson, & Thorpe, P.C. knows the intricate details of laws relating to wills and helps ensure your requests are clearly stated in proper legal terminology. The firm’s attorneys also help clients update their wills and provide valuable advice on alternate ways to protect your assets.
Trusts
Trusts can be used with or as an alternative to a will. A wide variety of trusts exist, including
- Revocable trusts
- Irrevocable trusts
- Asset protection trusts
- Charitable trusts
A skilled attorney can help you determine which trust best suits your needs. Gulick, Carson & Thorpe, P.C.’s lawyers use trusts to help their clients
- Reduce estate taxes
- Protect assets from creditors
- Manage assets for beneficiaries who are unable to responsibly do so
- Direct property division
- Avoid unnecessary probate expenses for real estate.
POA (Power of Attorney)
Granting power of attorney to someone should be taken seriously; it gives that individual the right to make personal, business, or legal decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated. Power of attorney ends when you pass die unless special instructions are added before the form is signed. The firm’s attorneys advise clients in POA matters and assist in filing and notarizing paperwork.
Durable Medical POA
Designating someone as your durable medical POA gives that person the authority to make medical decisions for you. Before you grant durable medical POA, be sure your opinions on medical treatment are known so decisions are made in accordance with your wishes. Gulick, Carson & Thorpe, P.C. advises you know all the elements of durable medical POA before you sign the forms.
Estate Litigation
Despite careful planning, disputes over a deceased’s estate happen. Unless properly handled, these issues can escalate to last for months or years, tying up funds and delaying the distribution of the estate. Gulick, Carson & Thorpe, P.C.’s attorneys have litigated cases related to estates, trusts, and conservatorships. They aggressively fight to protect your best interests when you are involved in these messy legal battles.
Fauquier’s Estate Planning Lawyers
Gulick, Carson & Thorpe, P.C. knows the value of a well-prepared estate plan can never be underestimated. The attorneys at the firm have extensive experience helping others in Fauquier, Culpeper, and Rappahannock counties prepare for their future and can help you create an individualized estate plan specific to your needs.
Contact our Warrenton, Virginia office today to start preparing for your future with one of our estate planning lawyers.