Top Virginia Beach, VA Probate Lawyers Near You
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800 Diligence Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
Other Nearby Offices
Those confronted with Probate issues can connect with Weisberg & Weisberg, P.L.L.C.. This practice offers legal help to clients in the Virginia Beach, Virginia area.
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115 S Lynnhaven Rd, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Connect with a local Virginia Beach, Virginia firm for experienced Probate legal representation.
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222 Central Park Avenue, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
575 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 310, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
222 Central Park Avenue, Suite 1450, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
277 Bendix Road, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1364
500 Viking Drive, Suite 103, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
295 Bendix Road, Suite 170, Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1294
780 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 330, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
4705 Columbus Street, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
128 South Lynnhaven Road, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
500 East Main Street, Suite 1000, Norfolk, VA 23510
2101 Parks Avenue, Suite 700, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
2101 Parks Avenue, Suite 300, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
5712 Cleveland Street, Suite 130, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
200 High Street, Suite 500, PO Box 1475, Portsmouth, VA 23705
1177 Jamestown Road, PO Box 379, Williamsburg, VA 23187
11836 Canon Boulevard, Suite 100, Newport News, VA 23606
2901 S. Lynnhaven Road, Suite 120, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
4801 Courthouse St, Suite 203, Williamsburg, VA 23188
710 Denbigh Blvd, Ste 2E, Newport News, VA 23608
101 West Main Street, Suite 9000, World Trade Center, Norfolk, VA 23510
4212 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23504
222 Central Park Avenue, Suite 1700, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-3035
101 West Main Street, 500 World Trade Center, Norfolk, VA 23510
Virginia Beach Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Virginia Beach and checks their standing with Virginia bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Virginia and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Virginia and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Virginia Beach?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Virginia?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts