Richmond Inheritance Attorney

Helping Clients Navigate Inheritance Matters Across Virginia

At Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP, we help individuals and families understand how property, accounts, and debts are handled after death in Virginia. From our office in Richmond and additional locations across the state, our attorneys work with executors, administrators, and beneficiaries so they can move forward with confidence.

Our team brings over half a century of combined estate planning and probate experience to each matter. Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, and one holds an Avvo Rating of 10.0 in Estate Planning. We focus on clear communication and practical advice, so you always know what is happening and why

Do you need help from a Richmond inheritance attorney to understand your rights after a loved one’s passing? Call Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP today at (888) 487-9899 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

How We Help With Inheritance

When you contact our firm, you are often facing a situation you did not choose, such as the recent death of a parent or spouse or a growing disagreement among family members. Our goal is to listen carefully, understand your concerns, and explain your options in straightforward language. We know that you may not have dealt with an estate before, so we do not expect you to know the terminology or the process.

Our inheritance attorney works with clients on a wide range of situations. These include helping an executor understand their duties, advising a surviving spouse or adult child on their rights, and addressing questions about how a will or trust should be interpreted. We also assist when there is no will at all, and Virginia intestacy rules control who receives property.

For clients in the Richmond area, we regularly guide estates that must be handled in a Virginia Circuit Court. We explain what documents are typically needed, which deadlines matter, and how decisions are made. Throughout the matter, we strive to keep you informed and to answer questions promptly, so you are not left wondering what is happening with the estate.

Many inheritance questions arise from plans created years ago, sometimes in other states, or from online forms that do not match Virginia law. We review these documents, explain what they actually say, and discuss practical options. Our focus is on helping you understand the likely outcomes before you decide on next steps, so you can weigh both legal and family considerations.

What To Do After A Loved One Dies

The period right after a loved one dies can feel overwhelming. There are immediate personal matters to handle, and legal questions often arrive before you are ready for them. While every situation is unique, there are some practical steps that help protect the estate and reduce confusion, especially when assets or family members are located in or around Richmond.

One of the first tasks is to locate any estate planning documents, such as a will, trust, or beneficiary designations for accounts. These documents are often kept in a home file, safe deposit box, or with a professional advisor. It is also important to gather basic information about assets and debts, such as bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and major loans. This information helps determine whether probate is required in a Virginia Circuit Court and what type of proceeding may apply.

If you have been named executor in a will, or if there is no will and you expect to serve as administrator, the court will generally need to appoint you formally before you can act on behalf of the estate. In the City of Richmond and other localities, this usually involves working with the Clerk of the appropriate Circuit Court. Our attorneys can explain what to expect from that process and what responsibilities come with the role, so you feel prepared rather than rushed into decisions.

Beneficiaries often have questions about whether they should sign documents they receive or agree to proposals from other family members. Before you sign or give up rights you may not fully understand, it can be helpful to review your situation with an inheritance attorney. We work to explain your options and the potential long term effects of those choices.

If you are not sure where to start, these steps can help:

• Secure important documents, including any will, trust, and financial statements.
• Order several certified copies of the death certificate for use with institutions.
• Avoid distributing personal property or closing accounts until you understand the legal process.
• Make a simple list of known assets and debts to discuss with our attorneys.
• Contact our office to talk through whether probate in a Virginia court is likely required.

Common Inheritance Issues In Virginia

Even when families have the best intentions, inheritance issues can become complicated. Virginia law contains specific rules about how property passes, what makes a will valid, and what happens when there is no will at all. These rules can surprise families and sometimes lead to tension among siblings or between a surviving spouse and children from a prior relationship.

One common situation involves an old will that no longer reflects the family’s reality. There may have been a second marriage, new children, or significant changes in property ownership since the document was signed. Another common issue arises when a will appears to conflict with beneficiary designations on accounts or with a previously created trust. In each of these situations, the specific language of the documents and Virginia law both matter.

Disputes may also develop around how an executor is handling the estate. Beneficiaries sometimes worry that they are not receiving timely information or that decisions are being made without proper consultation. On the other side, executors can feel pressure from multiple relatives and may be unsure how to balance competing demands with their legal duties. We work with both groups to clarify roles and expectations and to reduce unnecessary conflict where possible.

When there is no will, Virginia intestacy rules generally decide who inherits, based on family relationships. This can produce results that some relatives did not anticipate, such as property passing partly to children from an earlier relationship or to extended family members. Understanding these default rules helps families decide whether court action is needed or whether an agreement among heirs might be appropriate.

Our attorneys have experience with estates of many sizes, from modest homes and accounts to more complex holdings that include multiple properties or closely held businesses. We focus on the practical impact of legal rules, so you can see how they apply in real life. As we address current inheritance concerns, we can also discuss your own planning and how to reduce similar issues for your heirs in the future.

For clients who want ongoing support with their estate plans, we offer our TrustGuard™ service. This service is designed to keep plans updated as laws change and as life events occur, such as marriages, divorces, births, and moves. Keeping documents current can make inheritance smoother for the next generation and help avoid some of the disputes we see in our probate and inheritance work.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

Families come to Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP because they want both legal knowledge and a human approach. In inheritance matters, the law interacts closely with personal history, grief, and sometimes long standing family patterns. Our attorneys take time to listen to those details and to explain how Virginia law fits into the picture, using everyday language rather than legal jargon.

We are committed to transparent billing and process clarity. At the beginning of a matter, we discuss likely steps and the ways fees may be structured, so you know what to expect. As the matter moves forward, we keep you informed about what has happened, what is coming next, and when your input is needed. Our goal is to reduce surprises and help you feel that the process is manageable.

Our presence in Richmond makes it easier for clients in the area to meet with us when an in person conversation is helpful. At the same time, we regularly assist executors and beneficiaries who live outside Virginia but must handle an estate located here. In both situations, we work to make communication straightforward, whether by phone, video, or office meetings.

Our attorneys’ recognition by Super Lawyers and strong ratings for estate planning reflect years of focused work in this field. More importantly, our long track record across diverse estates has given us insight into what tends to work well and where problems often arise. We bring that perspective to every new matter, always tailored to your specific goals and family circumstances.

If you are facing inheritance questions in Richmond or elsewhere in Virginia, you do not have to sort through them alone. We are here to clarify your options and to guide you toward a path that fits both the law and your values. To discuss your situation with an inheritance lawyer Richmond trusts for clear guidance, contact our office today.

Contact a Richmond inheritance attorney today to get clear guidance and trusted support with your inheritance matter.

Frequently Asked Questions