Richmond Probate Attorneys 

Trusted Probate Guidance for Families Across Virginia

When a loved one dies, the grief is hard enough. Sorting out their finances, property, and last wishes under Virginia law can feel overwhelming. If you are facing probate in the Richmond area, our attorneys at Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP are here to walk you through each step.

Many families are surprised to learn that a will does not automatically transfer assets. In many situations, the estate must go through a court-supervised process before property can be distributed. We help individuals and families navigate this process using plain language, so you always understand what is happening and why.

Our firm focuses on estate planning and probate for clients across Virginia, including from our Richmond office. We listen carefully, explain your options in clear terms, and work to make complex procedures more manageable during a difficult time

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. 

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.