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Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia estate planning attorneys answer your questions

How do you charge for estate planning—by the billable hour?

No, we charge fixed fees listed on our fee schedule for basic packages of documents (wills, possibly revocable trusts, general powers of attorney, advance medical directives, etc.) and for other documents (e.g., irrevocable trusts for life insurance or to benefit children or grandchildren) used in some cases. These fees are agreed on before we get started.

What happens at the end of our working together on my estate plan?

At no charge, we will hold your executed original documents in our vault for as long as you like. At the close of our engagement, we send you a tabbed, indexed, three-ring binder containing copies of all your documents. Each document bears a stamp to reflect that the originals are in our vault.

Must every will be probated?

At Frederick J. Tansill & Associates, LLC, we believe that today's probate legal practice should simplify the legal process and avoid probate to the extent possible through creative after-death planning. There are many ways to accomplish this. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your particular situation.

What happens if family members of the deceased do not agree on the disposition of assets?

Disputes and conflicting claims do arise more frequently than one might think in medium and large estates, particularly if the surviving spouse is not the parent of all of the decedent's children. We have the experience to counsel and represent family members, executors, and trustees to protect and advocate their best interests even in the most complex situations.

What about asset protection?

The average American will be sued five times. Entrepreneurs and executives are particularly at risk. Ideally, asset protection structures should be seamlessly integrated with sound and sophisticated estate, tax, and financial planning before a hint of a threat arises. But even after a risk looms, thoughtful protective measures are frequently effective.

Can you help with an LLC?

Yes, we set up many each year, typically under Virginia or Delaware law, which have ideal features, especially for asset protection. And we can advise you on why an LLC can be the "Holy Grail" of estate planning, tax planning, and asset protection strategies.

When you need legal assistance with preservation of family wealth, probate, or business and tax planning, contact Frederick J. Tansill & Associates, LLC.

Attorney Advertising. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
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