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Wills

Washington D.C. Wills Attorney

Assisting Clients With Wills 

Planning for the future is vital in ensuring your wishes are honored after your passing. One of the most essential tools for this purpose is a will. Whether you are young or elderly, having a will provides peace of mind and clarity for your loved ones. This legal document can significantly impact how your assets are distributed and how your affairs are well managed when you are no longer here.

At J. S. Burton, PLC, our Washington, D.C., wills attorneys are here to guide you through the will creation process, ensuring that your intentions are accurately documented and legally enforceable.

Call J. S. Burton, PLC, today at (888) 885-9001 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our wills lawyer in Washington, D.C.

What is a Will?

A will is considered a legally binding document that outlines your wishes concerning the distribution of your assets, care of your dependents, and other important matters after your death. It serves several key functions, including:

  • Asset Distribution: A will specify how your property, finances, and personal belongings will be divided among your beneficiaries. Without a will, the state will determine the distribution of your assets, which may not align with your desires.
  • Appointment of Executors: A will allows you to appoint an executor, an individual accountable for managing your estate, settling debts, and distributing your assets according to your instructions.
  • Guardianship for Minors: If you have children, a will enables you to designate a guardian to care for them in the occasion of your death, ensuring they are raised by someone you trust.
  • Funeral Arrangements: You can outline your preferences for funeral services and burial arrangements, alleviating the burden on your family during a difficult time.

What Are the Benefits of Wills?

Creating a will offers numerous advantages that contribute to a smoother transition for your loved ones:

  • Clarity and Control: A will provide clear instructions for how you want your assets distributed. This clarity can stop conflicts among family members and reduce uncertainty during an already challenging time.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have outlined your wishes in a legally binding document allows you to focus on living your life fully, free from worrying about what may happen after your passing.
  • Tax Benefits: Properly drafted wills can help minimize estate taxes, ensuring more of your wealth goes to your chosen beneficiaries rather than to the government.
  • Protection for Your Loved Ones: A will can ensure that your family members are taken care of according to your wishes, reducing the risk of disputes and emotional stress during a time of grief.
  • Flexibility: Wills can be updated as your affairs change, such as the birth of a child, acquisition of new assets, or changes in relationships. Routinely reviewing and updating your will can ensure that it stays relevant and effective.

How Our Wills Lawyer Can Help You

Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Personalized Consultations: We offer tailored consultations to understand your unique needs and circumstances, allowing us to prepare a will that reflects your specific wishes.
  • Comprehensive Drafting: We have extensive experience in drafting wills that comply with Washington, D.C. laws, ensuring that your document is valid and enforceable.
  • Review and Updates: We recommend regular reviews of your will, particularly after substantial life events, like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. We can help you make necessary amendments to ensure your will remains up to date.
  • Estate Planning Advice: We provide comprehensive estate planning services beyond just drafting wills. These include strategies for minimizing taxes, setting up trusts, and ensuring that your entire estate plan works cohesively.
  • Probate Guidance: In the event of a loved one’s passing, we can assist with the probate process, ensuring that your wishes are honored and your estate is settled efficiently.

Contact Our Wills Lawyer in Washington, D.C. Today

If you are ready to create a will or update an existing one, our team at J. S. Burton, PLC is here to help. We are committed to providing personalized legal services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your wishes are documented clearly and effectively.

Contact our Washington, D.C., wills attorney today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you secure your legacy and deliver peace of mind for you and your family.

Contact J. S. Burton, PLC, today to get started with our Washington, D.C., wills attorney.

Opinions That Matter Most

Read What Our Former Clients Have to Say
    "An excellent estate planning attorney"
    Mr. Burton, Esq. is an excellent estate planning attorney and I recommend him with a 5 star rating. He is patient and answers all questions. His organization of the plan that he provided was in a binder and very complete.
    - Jeffrey S.
    "Very professional, friendly, thoughtful, and highly knowledgeable, Fallon expedited preparation and delivery of my documents. Overall, this was an awesome experience"

    I just had a great experience with this firm in preparing my estate planning documents. I needed to update some wishes and also ensure everything is in line for the state of Virginia, as I moved here from Pennsylvania. I worked with Fallon Francesca Whi

    - Wendy V.
    "I would highly recommend him."
    I have met with Mr Burton several times and always found him to be professional and personable
    - Bonnie T.
    "Highly recommended for estate planning"
    We were heard and guided to do the best for our families needs
    - Fred S.
    "Friendly and personable service."
    J S Burton, PLC has helped with my estate planning. All aspects of my trust are clearly defined in an easy-to-understand folder. They coordinated with my financial planner seamlessly. The staff is friendly and personable. I highly endorse J S Burton.
    - Elizabeth M.
    "Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!"
    Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!
    - Krystin R.
    "Truly impressive and caring."
    J S Burton, PLC has been our family's trusted estate planner for over 20 years. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication are unmatched. They guide us through complex decisions with ease and clarity, always with a personal approach.
    - Ryan D.
    "Highly skilled and compassionate."
    J S Burton, PLC is an excellent estate planning firm—highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. They listened with great kindness, compassion, and courtesy. All questions were answered, and a perfect estate plan was created. Very happy!
    - Kathy R.

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    FAQs

    • What is a HIPAA Authorization?
      Some medical providers have refused to release information, even to spouses and adult children authorized by the Healthcare Power of Attorney on the grounds that the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, prohibits such releases.  Therefore, as part of your incapacity planning, you should sign a HIPAA authorization form that allows the release of medical information to your agents, successor trustees, family or any other individuals you wish to designate.
    • What is a living will or advance medical directive?
      A living will or advance medical directive informs others of your preferred medical treatment should you become permanently unconscious, terminally ill, or otherwise unable to make or communicate decisions regarding treatment.  In conjunction with other estate planning tools, it can bring peace of mind and security while avoiding unnecessary expense and delay in the event of future incapacity.
    • What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
      The law allows you to appoint someone to decide about medical treatment options if you lose the ability to decide for yourself.  You can do this by using a "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care" or Health Care Proxy where you designate the person or persons to make such decisions on your behalf. You can allow your health care agent to decide about all health care or only about certain treatments. You may also give your agent instructions that he or she has to follow. Your agent can then make sure that health care professionals follow your wishes and can decide how your wishes apply as your medical condition changes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers must follow your agent's decisions as if they were your own.
    • Who may act as an agent under a Power of Attorney?
      In general, an agent, or attorney in fact, may be anyone who is legally competent and over the age of majority.  Most individuals select a close family member such as a spouse, sibling, or adult child, but any person such as a friend or a professional with an outstanding reputation for honesty would be ideal.  You may appoint multiple agents to serve either simultaneously or separately.  Appointing more than one agent to serve simultaneously can be problematic because if any one of the agents is unavailable to sign, action may be delayed.  Confusion and disagreement between simultaneous agents can also lead to inaction.  Therefore, it is usually more prudent to appoint one individual as the primary agent and nominate additional individuals to serve as alternate agents if your first choice is unwilling or unable to serve.