Richmond Executor & Trustee Services

Support For Difficult Fiduciary Roles in Virginia 

Being named in a will or trust can feel like an honor and a heavy responsibility at the same time. If you have been asked to serve as an executor or trustee in Virginia, you may be unsure where to start, what the law requires, or how to avoid costly mistakes.

At Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP, we help people in these roles understand what is expected of them and move through the process with greater confidence. Our attorneys focus on estate planning and probate throughout Virginia, and we maintain an office in Richmond so families in the area have local support when it matters most.

Our firm brings over half a century of combined experience to estate and trust matters, and we are known for clear, plain-language advice rather than legal jargon. We work to keep you informed at every step, so you are not left guessing about what comes next or how to explain decisions to family members.

Are you looking for trusted guidance with Richmond executor & trustee services to handle your responsibilities with confidence? Call Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP today at (888) 487-9899 or contact us online to discuss your case!

Why Executors Choose Our Firm

If you are serving as an executor, you may be worried about signing court documents, meeting deadlines, and answering to beneficiaries who want quick answers. Trustees often share similar concerns and must balance investment questions, tax issues, and requests from family members who rely on the trust. These are serious fiduciary roles, and it is natural to feel uneasy about handling them alone.

When you work with us, our goal is to stand beside you, not to take your place. We review the will or trust with you, talk through the assets and family situation, and outline realistic next steps. Our attorneys take time to listen to your concerns, whether you are most worried about conflict among siblings, potential tax questions, or simply doing everything correctly the first time.

Clients turn to Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP because of our long track record in estate planning and probate across Virginia. Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, and our Avvo Rating of 10.0 in Estate Planning reflects the focus we bring to this area of law. These credentials, combined with years of handling a wide range of estate sizes and complexities, help many executors and trustees feel more secure about the guidance they receive.

Cost is another common concern. Because executors and trustees often have to explain legal fees to beneficiaries, we place a strong emphasis on transparency. We discuss how our fees work, how they are typically paid from the estate or trust when permitted, and how to describe those arrangements clearly. Our straightforward approach is designed to reduce tension and help you feel prepared for conversations with family members.

Understanding Your Role In Virginia

Before you can feel confident in your decisions, it helps to have a clear picture of what your role involves. In Virginia, an executor is the person named in a will and then appointed by the court to gather the deceased person’s assets, pay valid debts and expenses, and distribute what remains according to the will. This often includes working with the clerk of the circuit court in the city or county where the person lived, such as the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond clerk’s office for estates that are handled there.

A trustee, on the other hand, is responsible for managing assets that have been placed into a trust. That responsibility may last for many years and can include investing trust funds, making distributions under the terms of the trust, filing tax returns, and keeping careful records. Virginia law imposes fiduciary duties on trustees, which generally require them to act prudently, follow the trust document, and treat beneficiaries based on the terms of the trust.

Probate in Virginia typically begins with qualifying as executor before the circuit court clerk, filing the will, and submitting an initial inventory of assets. Over time, the executor may need to file one or more accountings that show income, expenses, and distributions. Trustees may have different reporting obligations, but careful record keeping is just as important. In both roles, missing a deadline, failing to keep good records, or making distributions too early can create legal and financial problems.

Our attorneys explain these steps in straightforward terms so you understand why each requirement matters. We talk through questions such as which assets pass through probate, how jointly owned property and beneficiary designations fit into the picture, and how to respond when a beneficiary is unhappy with the timing or amount of a distribution. By grounding our guidance in Virginia law and local court practices, we work to give you a realistic sense of what to expect.

How We Support Executors And Trustees

Once you have a general understanding of your role, the next challenge is carrying out day-to-day tasks in a way that respects both the law and family dynamics. Our firm meets with executors and trustees to review key documents, identify immediate priorities, and develop a practical plan that fits the specific estate or trust. This first conversation often brings clarity and helps reduce the sense of being overwhelmed.

As the process moves forward, we provide guidance on issues such as notices to beneficiaries, communication with creditors, coordination with financial institutions, and appropriate timing of distributions. When questions arise about selling a home, addressing a closely held business, or responding to a beneficiary’s request, we help you think through the legal and practical implications. Our attorneys explain options in plain language, and we encourage you to ask questions whenever something is unclear.

Communication is central to how we work with clients. We strive to respond to calls and emails promptly, to provide updates when there is movement in the probate or trust administration, and to prepare you for upcoming steps so they do not come as a surprise. Because we understand that executors and trustees often relay information to others, we work to equip you with explanations you can comfortably share with family members.

In addition to administration support, Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP offers our TrustGuard service, which provides ongoing attention to clients’ estate plans as their lives change. When plans are kept current, future executors and trustees often face fewer surprises and the administration process can be smoother. TrustGuard reflects our belief that estate planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship.

Here are some of the ways we commonly assist fiduciaries:

• Helping you understand the will, trust, and related documents before you act
• Identifying immediate deadlines and filings with the appropriate Virginia circuit court clerk
• Discussing practical approaches to working with beneficiaries and reducing potential conflict
• Coordinating with your other advisors when appropriate, such as tax professionals
• Reviewing your progress so you can stay organized and prepared for final distributions

Learn More About Our Executor & Trustee Services in Richmond Today 

If a loved one has just passed away and named you as executor, or if you are about to begin serving as trustee of a family trust, it can be hard to know what you should do in the first few weeks. Many people are tempted to start distributing personal items or paying bills right away, but it is often wiser to pause and get clear guidance first.

For estates that will be handled in the Richmond area, your next steps may include gathering the original will or trust, locating key financial records, and refraining from moving or retitling major assets until you have spoken with an attorney. Meeting with a Virginia estate planning and probate firm early can help you avoid missteps, understand which documents the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond clerk’s office is likely to require, and organize information in a way that supports a smoother process.

Our Richmond office offers a convenient location for in-person meetings when that is helpful, and we also work with clients throughout Virginia who may not live locally. Whether you are across town or across the country, we can discuss your responsibilities, review your documents, and help you plan your approach. Throughout the engagement, we focus on clear communication, billing transparency, and personalized attention so you feel supported rather than alone.

If you have questions about executor or trustee responsibilities or you are ready to talk through your specific situation, we invite you to contact our firm. We are here to help you honor your loved one’s wishes while protecting yourself and respecting the needs of beneficiaries.

Contact our team today for Richmond executor & trustee services and get the support you need to administer an estate or trust correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions