Estate Planning Attorney in Richmond, VA — Protect What You’ve Built Before It’s Too Late

Ferris Law provides comprehensive estate planning services for individuals and families throughout the Richmond, Virginia, metro area. Attorney Richard W. Ferris has over 30 years of experience helping Virginians draft legally enforceable wills, establish trusts, and prepare the critical documents that protect their families under Virginia Code Title 64.2. Don’t leave your legacy to chance — call (804) 767-1800 for a free consultation.

Why Every Virginian Needs an Estate Plan

Without a valid will or trust in place, Virginia’s intestate succession laws — governed by Code § 64.2-200 — determine who inherits your property, and those decisions may not align with your wishes. An estate plan puts you in control.

Protect your spouse and children: A properly drafted will ensures your assets go to the people you’ve chosen, not to whomever the state designates.
Avoid probate delays: Trusts and beneficiary designations allow assets to transfer directly to loved ones without the time and expense of probate court.
Plan for incapacity: Powers of attorney and advance medical directives ensure someone you trust can act on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
Protect minor children: A will lets you name a guardian for your minor children — a decision no parent should leave up to a judge.
Minimize family conflict: Clear, legally sound documents reduce the chance of disputes between heirs after you are gone.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who loves someone. Explore how we can also assist with real estate document drafting as part of a complete asset protection strategy.

What Virginia Law Requires for a Valid Will

Virginia Code § 64.2-403 sets specific requirements for a testamentary will to be legally enforceable, and failing to meet even one requirement can render your will invalid. We ensure every document we draft is airtight.

Testator must be 18 or older: Virginia law requires the person making the will (the testator) to be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind.
Written document required: Oral wills are not generally recognized under Virginia law — your wishes must be in writing.
Two witness signatures: A will must be signed in the presence of two competent witnesses who also sign the document.
Self-proving affidavit option: Virginia allows wills to be made “self-proving” with a notarized affidavit, which simplifies the probate process later.
Holographic wills: Virginia recognizes entirely handwritten and signed wills under § 64.2-403(B), but they carry significant legal risk without attorney oversight.

Our firm drafts every will to meet Virginia’s statutory standards so your final wishes are protected. Learn how a trust may complement your will on our Practice Areas page.

Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives

A complete estate plan goes beyond a will. Ferris Law helps you put the full range of protective documents in place, so your family is never left scrambling in a crisis.

Revocable living trusts: Assets held in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries without probate, saving your family time and court costs.
Irrevocable trusts: These can be used to remove assets from your taxable estate and provide added protection from creditors under Virginia’s trust statutes.
Durable power of attorney: Designate a trusted agent to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated — without court-appointed guardianship.
Advance medical directive: Known in Virginia as a Health Care Power of Attorney, this document specifies your medical treatment preferences and names a health care agent.
Beneficiary designation review: We coordinate your estate plan with your retirement accounts and life insurance to prevent unintended distributions outside your will.

These documents work together as a system — and gaps in any one of them can create real problems for your family. If you are also going through a life transition, our Uncontested Divorce team can help you update your estate plan accordingly.

Common Questions About Estate Planning in Virginia

Estate planning raises many questions, especially for first-time clients. Here are clear answers to the ones we hear most often.

What happens if I die without a will in Virginia? Your estate passes through intestate succession under Code § 64.2-200, which distributes assets according to a fixed statutory formula — not necessarily your wishes.
Does my estate have to go through probate? Not necessarily — assets held in trusts, jointly titled property, and accounts with named beneficiaries typically bypass probate entirely.
How often should I update my estate plan? You should review your plan after any major life event: marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, or a significant change in assets.
Is estate planning only for older people? Absolutely not — any adult with assets, dependents, or health care preferences should have at least a basic plan in place.

Still have questions? Our team is ready to answer them — visit our Contact page to get in touch.

Schedule Your Free Estate Planning Consultation

Protecting your family starts with a single phone call. Contact Ferris Law today to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Richard Ferris and take the first step toward a legally sound, complete estate plan.

Phone: (804) 767-1800
Email: rwferris@richmondlawyer.com
Location: North Chesterfield, VA 23235