Posted on February 04, 2019 in Wills

Virginia readers know that drafting a will is an integral part of the estate planning process. This is the document by which a person outlines what he or she wants to happen to personal property and other matters after he or she passes away. However, there are significant limitations to what wills can accomplish, and each person would be wise to determine what other documents and protections they may need.

When thinking about estate planning, most people think about a will. This document can provide many protections, but there are certain things it cannot do. For example, a person cannot include any provisions of disability planning in his or her will. Wills only take affect when a person dies, but there are tools that allow him or her to make plans in case of an incapacitating illness or injury in the future.

Additionally, a will cannot provide protection in the event a person goes to a nursing home, nor can a will ensure that specific assets remain in the family for generations. There are specific types of trusts and other estate planning steps a person can take to accomplish these things. Having a will is smart, but it may not be all a person needs.

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 Posted on January 10, 2019 in Divorce

Divorce doesn’t always happen for dramatic reasons like infidelity, substance abuse or an endless cycle of arguments. While these things absolutely do happen, it’s important to remember that there can also be many smaller, often overlooked reasons that can contribute to divorce.

Are you wondering if one of those reasons could end your marriage? A few examples of more subtle indicators of divorce include:

1. You’re not invested in the relationship

Relationships take investment. You have to put in time, energy and emotion. They take work. It has to come from both people. If you or your spouse refuse to invest in the relationship, it can slowly fall apart, even if there is no big event that ends it all at once.

2. You don’t support each other when things get tough

Life isn’t always easy. People get sick. Loved ones pass away. People lose their jobs. When these events happen, one spouse needs to be there for the other. If your spouse does not “show up” for you, it’s going to have an impact. You may feel like you can’t trust them; it may actually lead to resentment.

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