Estate Planning

At Spotswood Law, we handle a variety of estate planning matters, including arrangement for the distribution of an individual's property at his or her death. We also counsel clients regarding Wills, trusts, property transfers upon death and estate taxes. Our goal is to help our clients gain the maximum benefit of state and federal estate laws, while at the same time, implement their plans for their beneficiaries.

Brooke Spotswood has substantial experience in planning for high net worth families using sophisticated estate planning techniques which can substantially reduce estate taxes. We also handle guardianships and address questions of incompetence and incapacity. Options may include living wills, directives to physicians, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and other advance planning strategies.

A Will is an instrument by which you make a gift of your property. The gifts do not take effect until the time of your death. To be valid, your Will must meet all requirements and formalities of state law.

Whether your Will is simple or complex, we make sure it is drafted clearly and according to your wishes. We also make sure it complies with Virginia law, so that your assets reach your intended beneficiaries.

Trusts can be extremely useful in asset protection and wealth preservation. We will create the right trust for your needs, and make certain that it is properly administered. Our firm can also help with the transfer of assets into the trust ensuring that all property is owned by the trust and thereby avoiding the necessity of probate.

A trust is a straightforward estate-planning instrument, and involves the Grantor, the Trustee and the Beneficiary. A trust is created when the owner (the Grantor) transfers title and certain incidents of ownership in property to another person (the Trustee) for the benefit or use by a third party (the Beneficiary). But when to use a trust, and how to structure it, is where legal advice from an experienced trust attorney is essential to protect your interests.

A trust can be an effective means for you to retain control of your property, while setting the stage for the prompt transfer of property upon death. We can assist you in creating various types of trusts, with careful attention to state and federal requirements.