Virginia: First Step to Confirm Legal Ownership of Part of a Relative's Land
How to begin confirming legal ownership of a piece of family land in Virginia Detailed Answer Start by locating the property’s recorded deed and chain of title. In Virginia, most legal ownership information is created and preserved in public land records filed at the circuit court clerk’s office for the county (or city) where the […]
Read article →Virginia: What Happens to Jointly Held Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
This FAQ-style article explains how jointly held bank accounts and jointly owned property are treated under Virginia law when a person dies without a will. It uses plain language and short examples to help you understand what typically happens and what steps to take next. Detailed Answer Quick summary In Virginia, whether money or property […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Virginia
Step-by-Step: Getting Appointed as an Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Virginia Detailed Answer Below is a plain-language, step-by-step explanation of how someone is appointed as an estate administrator (or co-administrator) under Virginia law. This describes typical procedures in Virginia circuit courts and points you to official sources. This is educational information and not legal advice. […]
Read article →Avoiding Probate in Virginia: Using Wills, Beneficiary Designations, and Trusts
How to keep assets out of probate in Virginia using wills, beneficiary designations, and other tools Short answer: Some assets pass outside probate in Virginia when you use beneficiary designations, payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) arrangements, joint ownership with rights of survivorship, or properly funded revocable trusts. A will alone generally does not avoid probate […]
Read article →Virginia: How to Buy Out Siblings’ Interests in a Parent’s Property Without Selling
Buying Out Siblings’ Interests in a Parent’s Property in Virginia: A Practical FAQ Not legal advice. This article explains general Virginia law and options. Consult a Virginia attorney for advice about your specific situation. Detailed Answer — How you can buy out your siblings instead of selling If you and your siblings jointly own real […]
Read article →How to Buy Out Siblings’ Shares of a Parent’s Home in Virginia
Can I buy out my siblings’ shares of my parent’s house instead of selling it through probate? Short answer: Yes — in Virginia you can often buy your siblings’ ownership interests instead of forcing a sale through probate, but the exact steps depend on how title is held, whether the property is in the decedent’s […]
Read article →Virginia: Recovering Money Withdrawn From a Deceased Parent’s Accounts
Detailed Answer — What the Estate Can Do When an Heir Withdraws Funds After a Parent Dies Short answer: If someone withdraws money from a deceased parent’s bank account or charges a credit card after the parent’s death, those funds are generally part of the decedent’s estate. Under Virginia law the personal representative (executor or […]
Read article →Virginia: Asking the Court to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem for Minor Heirs Before Selling Inherited Land
Can a court appoint a guardian ad litem for minor heirs before selling inherited land in Virginia? Short answer: Yes — in Virginia you can ask the court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent minor heirs’ interests before selling inherited real property. Courts commonly appoint a GAL (or otherwise protect a minor’s […]
Read article →What to Include When Filing a Year's Allowance Petition in Virginia
Year's Allowance Petitions — What to Include and How the Process Works in Virginia Detailed answer — overview and required contents This explains what you should include when you file a petition for a year’s allowance in Virginia under the probate process. A year’s allowance is a court-ordered payment from a decedent’s estate to provide […]
Read article →Virginia: Step-by-Step Guide to Handling a Mother's Estate
Step-by-step FAQ: Handling a Mother's Estate under Virginia Law Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every estate is unique. Consult a Virginia probate attorney or your local circuit court clerk for specific guidance. Detailed answer — what to do first and next When a parent […]
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