A Harrisonburg & Staunton Lawyer Explains Why Now Is The Time For Estate Planning.

COVID-19 has disrupted daily life as we know it, and it’s no different for a Harrisonburg and Staunton lawyer at Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver. Sometimes the best thing to do when surrounded by so much uncertainty is to focus on something you can control. Now is the time to start working on developing an estate plan to protect your family during these uncertain times. Here’s why:

  • Estate Planning Protects You: During estate planning, we typically help our clients name a power of attorney and create an advance directive. Your power of attorney can make legal, financial, and healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. An advance directive also clarifies the extent of medical care you find acceptable. Planning protects you and your wishes during hospital stays or other unexpected situations.
  • Estate Planning Protects Your Children: If you have children under the age of 18, it’s essential to determine who will care for them if you or their other parent is unable. A clearly written, legally-binding will designates their legal guardian and communicates your wishes for their future. We also create special needs trusts to allow disabled beneficiaries to inherit your assets without losing access to critical public resources.
  • Estate Planning Protects Your Beneficiaries: Proper planning usually minimizes the court’s involvement in dispersing your estate, which ultimately protects your beneficiaries. We can also analyze the scope of your estate to determine your best options for minimizing tax burdens.

Planning Now Protects You And Your Family During Uncertain Times.

We’re passionate about providing experienced legal representation and knowledgeable advice to our clients. Since our firm’s founding in 1845, Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver has assisted and protected our clients during some of history’s most tumultuous periods, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. We invite you to contact one of our experienced Harrisonburg and Staunton lawyers to start drafting your estate plan today.