Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel, Estate and Elder Law Attorneys

02/18/2024

Great Team Training day a few weeks back with our Crisp Training Team. Stacie Payne, we wish you could have joined us!

12/29/2023

⚠️ As of January 1st, Commonwealth Life & Legacy Powhatan Office and the Powhatan Commissioner of Accounts Office will be located at 3886B Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, Virginia.

The phone numbers remain the same: (804) 598-1348 - law office and (804) 598-3906 - Commissioner of Accounts. We look forward to seeing you soon!

05/04/2023

Living in a digital age has created the necessity to include digital assets in your estate plan. You may only picture your digital financial accounts when you think of digital assets. In reality, digital assets can consist of any information or intellectual property you create or own in a digital format. This month we delve deep into the reality of living in a tech world and answer the critical question of what happens to your digital assets when you pass.

Even digital assets need a plan. Living in a digital age has created the necessity to include digital assets in your estate plan. But what happens to your digital assets when you die, and how can you make sure they end up in the right hands? When you think of […]

04/03/2023

I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. I am constantly impressed my colleagues’ knowledge, dedication and compassion.

03/14/2023

Planning for their future is essential if you care for a family member with special needs. Leaving an inheritance may not be a suitable option, as it could make them ineligible for need-based government benefits like Medicaid and SSI. It is worth considering special needs trusts (SNTs) in such cases. These trusts can hold assets for your loved one while maintaining their eligibility for public benefits. By setting up an SNT, you can ensure that your family member with special needs continues to receive the care and support they need even after you're gone.

If you are responsible for a family member with special needs, you must consider how you will provide for them after you are gone. Leaving an inheritance isn’t ideal, as it may disqualify them from need-based government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Instead, consid...

02/03/2023

Estate planning for blended families involves unique challenges. The complexity of blended family structures, which often involve several children from previous marriages, often calls for more intricate estate planning. Drafting a comprehensive estate plan as early as possible will help protect everyone’s interests, reduce conflict, and avoid legal pitfalls.

Estate planning for blended families involves unique challenges. The complexity of blended family structures, which often involve several children from previous marriages, often calls for more intricate estate planning. Drafting a comprehensive estate plan as early as possible will help protect ever...

01/24/2023

Estate planning for divorced families involves unique challenges, and any mistake or oversight could have far-reaching legal consequences. Learn what you should do to secure your estate after a divorce.

If you’re divorced, you probably made sure your divorce agreement includes all the major financial aspects of property division, child support, and alimony. Now it’s time for the next step: updating your estate plan. Estate planning for divorced families involves unique challenges, and any mista...

01/22/2023

Our offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 23, 2023.

01/07/2023

We had a great start to the New Year! We welcomed Angie back after her holiday break, re-connected with some clients and Michael and I made a quick trip to DC for New Years! Here’s to a great 2023!

12/19/2022

Thank you Angie for working with us for five whole years!! We are so grateful to you for all you do for our clients and for us.

11/07/2022

While most estate planning involves protecting your legacy for what you will leave to your heirs when you pass away, there’s another essential part to consider: who will make decisions for you during your lifetime if you are unable to make them for yourself? This article explains how a living will and advance medical directive can help you plan for incapacity if you cannot care for yourself or make your wishes known.

While most estate planning involves protecting your legacy for what you will leave to your heirs when you pass away, there’s another essential part to consider: who will make decisions for you during your lifetime if you are unable to make them for yourself? A living will and advance medical […]

09/26/2022

A revocable living trust is a legally enforceable agreement you make with yourself or your spouse, which you can change or revoke during your lifetime. A well-written and fully funded revocable trust allows your beneficiaries to avoid probate while giving you control over your assets until death. Read the full article to learn more.

A well-written and fully funded revocable trust allows your beneficiaries to avoid probate while giving you control over your assets during your lifetime and managing their use and distribution after you die. While you are alive and have the mental ability to manage your affairs, your trust is compl...

08/30/2022

Senior citizens 65 or older account for about 16% of Virginia’s population. These seniors often have complex legal needs that include estate planning, protecting assets from Medicaid, and planning for disability. Click on the link to learn more.

Senior citizens 65 or older account for about 16% of Virginia’s population. These seniors often have complex legal needs that include estate planning, protecting assets from Medicaid, and planning for disability. Estate Planning in Virginia Our comprehensive estate planning services can help you m...

08/12/2022

08/08/2022

We went on a field trip today to visit a client and his non-human friends.

06/13/2022

We went to Arizona for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Conference in May. We had a great time, learned a lot, connected with some of our Virginia colleagues and met some new friends.

02/21/2022

Fun at the Lake Anna Business Partnership Business Person of the Year Awards last week! Congratulations to the winners!

01/07/2022

The EOC remains open & is available to assist with:
👉Shelter questions & coordinating transportation
👉Addressing general wellness needs
☎540-967-3496

The EOC also meets several times a day to address restoring power, removing debris, continuing sheltering operations & more.

01/05/2022

Good Morning! Our Zion Crossroads office is closed today, Wednesday, January 5th, because we do not have water or internet there. We are working from home, taking calls and answering emails. Please stay warm and safe.

01/04/2022

First picture is today at 3:30pm. Second picture is today at 4:00pm. Getting the work AND the play done today.

12/14/2021

Thank you to the Chiles family for sharing your adorable twins, Lexi and Lincoln with us today!

11/17/2021

Last week, Samantha Woodcock and I attended the Atticus Summit in Orlando. We look a little tired in this photo, but we had a full day of learning how to improve our law practice and serve our clients better. We came back excited and energized.

11/01/2021

Here's a shout out to Angie Keating, our Firm Administrator. We are grateful for her dedication to helping us, our clients, prospective clients, referral sources and friends. She is professional, kind, patient and compassionate. Thank you for all you do!

09/01/2021

Congratulations to two of our favorite lawyers. Thank you for your service to our community!

https://www.t-mlaw.com/news/carolyn-white-and-lindsay-pickral-receive-the-john-c-kenny-pro-bono-award/?fbclid=IwAR0wwi4_bex7YFIz5cqXWGRPjnjhB0n7i5_IzCJsjiW46QfVBhYsP8crBeM

Carolyn White and Lindsay Pickral have been chosen to receive the John C. Kenney Pro Bono Award for 2021 by the Board of Directors of the Bar Association of the City of Richmond.

08/25/2021

We had a great time at the Louisa Chamber event at Castle Hill Cider. It’s a gorgeous place and the cider is delicious.

07/30/2021

Date night!

07/17/2021

Kate, the Law Dog, on duty, every day, making sure I stay on task.

06/25/2021

Michael and I were honored to be among the finalists for Louisa County Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year: Dana Cahill (Cahill Cleaning), Steve Harlter (Mid Atlantic Water Sports), and the winner, John Pope (Cooling Pond Brewery)!