Virginia: How to Protect Yourself When Signing a Witness Affidavit After a Car Accident
Detailed Answer — How to protect yourself when signing a witness affidavit in Virginia Short answer: Before you sign any affidavit about a car crash, make sure every sentence reflects only what you personally observed or know to be true, do not guess, do not sign blank or altered documents, get a copy, and correct […]
Read article →Virginia: Refusing to Sign an Affidavit After a Crash — What You Need to Know
Detailed Answer Short answer: yes — in Virginia you generally may refuse to sign an affidavit or sworn statement if you are unsure about the facts. You cannot be forced to swear to things you do not know or remember. However, choosing not to sign may have consequences: investigators, prosecutors, or civil parties can still […]
Read article →Virginia: How a Guardian ad Litem Is Appointed in a Minor’s Settlement
Understanding How a Guardian ad Litem Is Appointed for a Minor’s Settlement in Virginia Not legal advice: This article explains general Virginia procedures and is for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship or substitute for legal advice from a licensed Virginia attorney. Detailed Answer — Step-by-step process under Virginia law When […]
Read article →Virginia: Can Parents Access a Child’s Settlement Funds Early for College or Medical Expenses?
Accessing a Minor’s Settlement Funds in Virginia: What Parents Should Know Detailed Answer When a child in Virginia receives money from a legal settlement (for example, after a car accident or a medical malpractice claim), parents or guardians often want to use part of those funds for necessary items such as medical treatment or college […]
Read article →Virginia: How to Ensure a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed and Split Correctly
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This article explains how the process usually works under Virginia law and what you can do to help ensure a wrongful death settlement is filed with the court and distributed according to your agreement. Who must bring and approve a wrongful […]
Read article →Proving You Are Your Father's Child for Inheritance in Virginia
How to Prove You Are Your Father’s Child for Inheritance in Virginia This FAQ-style guide explains practical steps under Virginia law to establish paternity (when your father’s name isn’t on your birth certificate) so you can claim an inheritance. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed Answer: Can you inherit if dad’s […]
Read article →Virginia: How to Get a Diminished Value Appraisal for Your Vehicle
How to get a diminished value appraisal for your vehicle in Virginia Short answer: Hire a qualified independent vehicle appraiser who documents pre‑loss value, repairs, and market data, then use that written appraisal when negotiating with the at‑fault insurer or pursuing a claim. This article explains each step, what to expect in the report, how […]
Read article →Risks of Granting a Life Estate Instead of Selling Property — Virginia
Understanding the Risks of Granting a Life Estate Instead of Selling Property Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Virginia property law and common practical issues. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Virginia attorney for advice tailored to your situation. What is a life estate? A life estate gives one person (the life […]
Read article →Finalizing Probate and Selling Property in Virginia When the Will Is Outdated
How to finish probate in Virginia when the will is outdated and make sure you can sell the property Detailed answer Short answer: an older or “outdated” will remains effective unless it was legally revoked. To close probate and obtain legal authority to sell real property in Virginia you must open the decedent’s estate in […]
Read article →How to Set Up an Annuity for Settlement Funds Held for a Child in Virginia
Detailed Answer When someone settles a legal claim and the payee is a minor, Virginia law and court practice require special steps to protect the child’s money. You can put settlement funds into an annuity (a structured payment stream paid by an insurance company) so the child receives regular payments over time instead of a […]
Read article →