Richmond & Williamsburg, VA Probate Attorneys

We Can Guide You Through the Process

Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP is client-focused. We built our entire practice around making things easier for our clients. This commitment runs through every step of our work—from our welcoming initial appointments, to consistently clear communication about fees and timelines, to delivering legal services in a timely and accurate manner. We serve clients across Virginia from our offices in both Williamsburg and Richmond.

Our Richmond location supports families throughout the metropolitan area as they manage every step of probate and estate administration. We know the procedures of the Richmond Circuit Court and the regulations set by local officials, which help clients avoid common errors and delays. Whether you have questions about handling a small Virginia estate or dealing with substantial property, our probate attorneys bring decades of experience to your situation. By staying current with changes in Virginia law, JGB makes sure your probate process meets updated requirements and uses practical local options, such as small estate affidavits, when appropriate.

How Long Does Probate Take? How Much Does it Cost?

As with all court proceedings, the length and cost of each case vary. Probate in Virginia often lasts from six months to three years. While many estates incur 3-5% in executor and administration fees, JGB uses a clear and simple fee schedule so families always know what to expect.

When an estate in Richmond involves complex assets or unique creditor claims, probate may require extra time or additional filings due to local rules. Many families start by creating an estate inventory to clarify how long the administration might take in their situation. By reviewing the details early, we help clients anticipate filings, reporting deadlines, or notices required by the Commissioner of Accounts in the City of Richmond. This preparation minimizes cost surprises and helps avoid unnecessary delays, giving families clear guidance during probate.

The volume of paperwork and specific local filings can overwhelm executors who are already coping with the loss of a family member. Our Richmond team guides each client through the steps that apply to their case, including specific deadlines and requirements from the City of Richmond Circuit Court and the local Commissioner of Accounts. By explaining every local form and step, we make the process clear and help keep you on track. We help clients determine which assets likely require probate and offer guidance on non-probate transfers, such as joint accounts or transfer-on-death assets that are common in Virginia estates. Our proactive approach helps families minimize surprises and resolve estates confidently.

Hire a Professional to Guide You Through the Process

JGB is client-focused. We built our entire practice around making things easier for our clients. This is reflected in every interaction—from initial appointments that put new clients at ease, to our straightforward approach for discussing fees and expectations, to consistently delivering legal services you can trust. We serve clients throughout Virginia at both our Richmond and Williamsburg locations.

Working with a Richmond probate attorney connects you with someone who understands the local rules and court procedures. Our probate lawyers have years of experience assisting families of all estate sizes and complexities in central Virginia. We keep you updated in clear, simple language, so you always know the next step. This support helps prevent confusion and gives you a direct contact for your questions—whether you live locally or receive assistance from out of state. Recognized for our clear communication and client service, we support you through every milestone of probate and estate administration, so you can focus on honoring your loved one’s wishes instead of navigating the courts alone.

What Are the Duties of an Executor in Richmond Probate?

When you serve as an executor or personal representative for an estate in Richmond, Virginia, you have a legal duty to carry out the directions in the will and comply with state rules. Local probate courts require formal inventory filings, notices to heirs, and ongoing accountings. These requirements ensure the court and the Commissioner of Accounts can monitor the administration of the estate. Executors gather assets, pay debts and taxes, document each transaction, and distribute property according to the will. You must maintain steady communication with the local court and sometimes with Richmond-area agencies to move the process forward.

Richmond courts expect executors to perform with close attention to detail and on a clear timeline. Since deadlines and reporting needs vary based on court schedules and estate complexity, keeping careful records matters. Our probate attorneys educate and support clients in following these local requirements, including initial paperwork, timely communication with creditors, and proper closure of the estate. We explain court expectations and recommend a step-by-step method so executors can manage the process with confidence from start to finish.

Which Assets Go Through Probate in Virginia?

Not every asset passes through probate in Virginia. Assets held solely in the decedent’s name, without designated beneficiaries or pay-on-death instructions, generally require probate. In contrast, assets with a named beneficiary—such as life insurance, retirement accounts, or jointly owned property—usually transfer directly without court supervision. Local banks and agencies in Richmond follow statewide rules for releasing funds or transferring titles, which can affect the estate’s timeline. Real estate held in the deceased person's name alone must often be included in the probate inventory and may involve additional filings unique to Richmond’s registry procedures.

Our probate lawyer in Richmond helps clients identify which properties, bank accounts, and personal assets fall under probate and which do not. We clarify how Virginia’s probate process applies to these assets, so families can plan effectively and reduce confusion. By making these distinctions clear, executors can efficiently distribute property in accordance with both state law and the decedent’s wishes.