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WHAT IS AN “ESTATE PLAN?”
These days folks are bombarded with ads for estate planning seminars and webinars about estate planning. They are asked to choose between wills and trusts without really understanding the practical effect of their choice upon themselves, and upon their heirs. Here is...

Changes to Virginia Guardianship Procedures
A guardianship proceeding is a matter during which a Court appoints an individual or an approved public charity to be a decision-maker for an incapacitated adult. A conservator may also be appointed to make financial decisions for the incapacitated adult. Guardianship...

Form an LLC in Virginia
McDermottWard began forming limited liability companies for clients in 1991 as part of our business law services shortly after Virginia adopted Virginia Limited Liability Company Act. Virginia was, of course not the first state to pass an LLC act. Wyoming was the...

How to Choose an Agent or Fiduciary
Often the hardest decision a person makes in their estate plan is choosing whom to serve as an agent or fiduciary. The considerations and skills required to be an effective fiduciary are not the same for every document, or in every family. Here are a few helpful tips...

Advanced Medical Directive, Do Not Resuscitate Order, and Physician Order for Scope of Treatment
Virginia gives us several options to help us guide our medical decisions, even when we no longer have the physical or mental ability to make decisions for ourselves. Three important documents related to elder law to consider are an Advance Medical Directive, a Do Not...

“Hey, let’s start a charity!”
You, alone or with friends find a good cause to which you would be happy to devote time and treasure. It might be early childhood development, or literacy, or supporting the local symphony orchestra. I could be hospice, or free dental care for the poor. It might...

Visiting Mom, Who Now Resides in a Memory Unit
Mom is living with a progressive disease with no cure. Dementia is a terminal illness. It will ultimately take her life. It is a terrible diagnosis. However, although there is no cure, we can provide care for her to try to make her days pleasant. She is no different...

Celebrating the Holidays with Dementia
The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for caregivers of a loved one with dementia. If you have a loved one with dementia, here are a few helpful tips for having a joyful holiday season. 1. Designate a quiet place. Holiday meals may last for several hours...

Do I need to probate my loved one’s will?
The terms “probate” and “estate administration” are often interchanged, but they have distinct legal meanings. Call 757-722-0611 to make an appointment about your loved one’s estate.

“Spring Cleaning” for your Estate Plan
Summer is around the corner and we are all looking forward to a few bright, sunny days! But spring isn’t over yet, and there’s still time to do some spring cleaning and review your estate plan. Here’s a quick check list for the next rainy spring day: Review, change,...

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Newport News, Virginia 23602
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McDermottWard is located in Newport News, VA and serves clients in and around Fort Eustis, Newport News, Williamsburg, Seaford, Lackey, Yorktown, Hampton, Poquoson, Lightfoot, Rescue, Battery Park, Isle Of Wight County, and York County.