Probate in Virginia | VA Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How does intestate succession work when no will exists and the decedent dies with no spouse and three children? (VA)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Under Virginia’s intestacy laws, when a person dies without a will and leaves no surviving spouse but is survived by three children, the entire estate passes outright to those children. Va. Code § 64.2-200 states that if there is […]

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How does title transfer for an inherited home when there is no will and multiple heirs in VA?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When a homeowner in Virginia dies without a will, their real estate passes according to Virginia’s intestate succession laws (Va. Code § 64.2-200 et seq.). Title cannot transfer automatically […]

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How to Determine Intestate Heirs of My Father's Estate in VA

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When someone dies without a valid will (“intestate”), Virginia law defines who inherits their assets. The process follows the Virginia intestate succession statutes. 1. Confirm Intestacy Verify that your father died intestate. Contact the clerk’s office in the circuit court where […]

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Can I appeal a probate court decision removing a personal representative in Virginia?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Detailed Answer: Appealing a Personal Representative’s Removal in Virginia Statutory Basis Under Virginia Code §64.2-151 (Va. Code §64.2-151), a circuit court may remove a personal representative for mismanagement or misconduct. Any person aggrieved by that decree […]

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Does the personal representative have to provide me a copy of the accounting in a probate matter in Virginia?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Virginia probate law and is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Virginia law, any interested person may require a personal representative (PR) to render an accounting of the estate’s administration. Code of Virginia § 64.2-1514 states: "Any person interested in the […]

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How to determine what assets remain in an estate after paying debts and fees in Virginia

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Contact a qualified attorney for advice tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer When administering an estate in Virginia, you must determine the net assets available after paying all debts, taxes, and fees. Follow these steps: 1. Compile and value estate assets Identify all assets […]

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What Options Exist for a Personal Representative with Limited Funds for Handling Creditor Claims in Virginia

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Virginia attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer When you serve as a personal representative in Virginia with limited estate funds, you must follow the statutory framework for handling creditor claims. Key options include: 1. […]

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How to Manage Estate Administration When Assets Are Located in Multiple Counties or Jurisdictions in VA

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Managing an estate with assets in multiple counties or jurisdictions can seem complex. Under Virginia law, you first probate the will or appoint a personal representative in the circuit court of the decedent’s last domicile. Once appointed, the representative […]

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What documents are needed to complete a small estate affidavit for estate assets in Virginia?

Detailed Answer Under Virginia Code §64.2-612 (Small Estate Affidavit), close relatives or other qualified individuals may collect certain estate assets without formal probate when the total value of tangible personal property (excluding liens and exempt property) does not exceed $50,000. To complete and execute a small estate affidavit, you generally need the following documents: Certified […]

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How to Distribute Estate Assets to Heirs Using a Small Estate Affidavit in VA

Detailed Answer 1. What Is a Small Estate Affidavit in Virginia? Under Virginia Code § 64.2-619, you can claim personal property from a deceased person’s estate without formal probate when certain conditions apply. A small estate affidavit lets you collect assets held by banks, financial institutions, or other custodians. 2. Who Qualifies for the Small […]

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