Estate Planning in Richmond:

Protecting Your Future, Preserving Your Legacy

Estate Planning Services

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Planning for the future is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. At James River Law, led by Estate Planning Attorney Alex Mejias, we provide customized estate planning services to help individuals in Richmond, Virginia, safeguard their families, assets, and legacies. If you’re ready to take control of your future, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Your loved ones deserve certainty and security. Book a call with James River Law today to start planning for their future.

Estate planning is more than just drafting documents—it’s about making intentional choices to protect your family and preserve your life’s work. At James River Law, we understand that every individual has unique goals and priorities. That’s why we take a personalized approach to crafting estate plans tailored to your needs.

From wills to trusts to powers of attorney, our services are designed to give you peace of mind. Let’s explore some of the key tools that form the foundation of a solid estate plan.

Complete Estate Planning Services
Secure your family’s future and peace of mind.

Book a call with James River Law in Richmond to begin your estate plan today.

Wills: The Foundation of Your Estate Plan

Wills are The Cornerstone of Your Estate Plan

A last will and testament is a critical document for anyone looking to ensure their wishes are honored after passing. Here’s what a will can do for you:

Name guardians for minor children:

Ensure your children are cared for by someone you trust.

Appoint an executor:

Specify a trusted person to manage your estate and carry out your instructions.

Distribute assets:

Outline how your property, accounts, and personal belongings will be divided among your loved ones.

Without a will, Virginia state laws determine how your estate is distributed—a process that may not align with your wishes. Richmond Estate Lawyer Alex Mejias works closely with clients to draft wills that are clear, enforceable, and reflective of their unique needs.

Trusts: Privacy, Control, and Efficiency

Revocable Living Trusts

One of the most common trusts, a revocable living trust, offers flexibility and privacy that a will alone cannot provide. Unlike a will, which goes through the Virginia probate process, a trust allows your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries, avoiding the time-consuming and often public probate process.

Key benefits of a revocable living trust include:

  • Avoiding probate: Save your loved ones time and money by bypassing probate court.
  • Maintaining privacy: Keep the details of your estate and beneficiaries confidential.
  • Planning for incapacity: Name a trusted individual to manage your assets if you can no longer do so.

Trusts Designed to Serve the Goals of Our Richmond Clients

Trusts are available in many forms and our estate planning team will help you select a trust and design a plan which addresses your specific situation.  

Testamentary Trusts. A testamentary trust is a trust created in a will. This type of trust is created upon the individual’s death and is commonly used to protect the money and property on behalf  of a beneficiary or to provide asset protection from lawsuits or creditors..

Special Needs Trust. A special needs trust allows you to provide money or property for the benefit of someone with special needs without disqualifying them from receiving governmental benefits. Federal laws allow special needs beneficiaries to receive certain types of benefits from a carefully crafted trust without defeating eligibility for government benefits.

Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust. An irrevocable life insurance trust is designed to own high-value life insurance and receive the payment of the death benefit upon the trustmaker’s death. The benefit of this type of trust is that the life insurance proceeds are excluded from the deceased’s estate for tax purposes. 

At James River Law, we help Richmond clients create and fund trusts to ensure they are fully functional and aligned with their estate planning goals.

Powers of Attorney: Planning for the Unexpected

Life can be unpredictable. A power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can act on your behalf if you are unable to manage your own affairs. At James River Law, we help Richmond clients create two essential types of powers of attorney as part of their comprehensive estate plan:

  • Durable Power of Attorney: Allows your agent to handle financial matters, such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, or making investments, if you become incapacitated.
  • Medical Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, ensuring your medical preferences are honored.

Estate Planning Attorney Alex Mejias will work with you to create powers of attorney that provide clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

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Why Work with James River Law?

At James River Law, we combine legal experience with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by our clients. Whether you’re a business owner looking to protect your assets or a family seeking to preserve a lasting legacy, we provide more than just legal solutions—we offer guidance to help you make informed decisions.

Richmond residents trust the James River Law team for our:

  • Personalized approach: Every estate plan is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
  • Responsive service: We prioritize clear communication and never leave our clients in the dark.
  • Transparent pricing: No surprises—just straightforward solutions delivered on budget.

Speak with a Richmond Estate Planning Attorney Today

Don’t leave your future to chance. At James River Law, we’re here to help you build an estate plan that protects your family, preserves your assets, and reflects your values. Estate Lawyer Alex Mejias is here to provide compassionate guidance and practical solutions for every stage of life.

Contact our Richmond office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward creating a comprehensive estate plan. Together, we’ll secure your legacy and provide peace of mind for years to come.