About Estate Planning
- A living trust is a legal entity, like a person or business, which can hold assets
- After the living trust’s creator(s), called the Settlor(s), passes the trust can stay intact
- Trusts are initially managed by trustees and later by successor trustees
- Assets held in a living trust avoid probate if prepared properly
- Living trusts do not protect assets from lawsuits or creditors
- No Contest Clauses can revoke an inheritance if beneficiaries legally challenge the trust
To learn more, contact us for a free consultation.
PRICING
Package prices are available. Take advantage of a free consultation to discuss pricing options. A La Carte prices for individuals and couples are as follows:
Service
☐ Individual
☐ Couple
Trust with Pour Over Will(s)
☐ $2,000
Simple Will
☐ $500
☐ $900
Testamentary Trust Will
☐ $650
☐ $1,100
Financial Power of Attorney
☐ $275
☐ $495
Advance Medical Directive
☐ $195
☐ $350
HIPAA Authorization
☐ $75
☐ $135
Will Codicil
☐ $325
☐ $585
Trust Amendment
☐ $695
Transfer on Death Deed
☐ $465¹
Deed to Transfer Property During Life
☐ $465¹
End-of-Life Instructions
☐ $135
☐ $245
¹ Includes recording fee of $40.00 per deed (or the actual amount charged by the Clerk of Court, if greater).
My hourly billable rate is currently $375 per hour for most other estate planning related services.
Estate Planning
Virginia Estate Planning – Wills & Trusts
WILLS, TRUSTS, AND OTHER ESTATE PLANNING NEEDS
Why Choose John Goetz Law, PLC?
Estate planning is personal. Every client has different goals, different family relationships, and different concerns. At John Goetz Law, PLC, we take the time to understand your objectives before recommending a plan. Our firm offers:
- Flat-fee pricing
- Personalized legal advice
- Practical recommendations
- Customized documents
- Attorney-supervised execution
- Convenient Warrenton location
- Flexible estate planning packages
Our goal is to make estate planning understandable, affordable, and tailored to your family's needs.
Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation
Whether you need a simple will or a comprehensive living trust, we are here to help. Complete our online contact form or call (540) 495-1354 today to schedule your estate planning consultation.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Many people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy. It isn't. Every adult should have documents that answer important questions such as:
- Who will receive my property?
- Who will care for my children if something happens to me?
- Who can manage my finances if I become incapacitated?
- Who can make medical decisions for me?
- How can I make the administration of my estate easier for my family?
Without
proper planning, these decisions may be made by
Virginia law or by the
courts instead of by
you.
Estate Planning Packages
We offer three affordable flat-fee estate planning packages designed to meet a variety of needs:
1. Essential Estate Plan
(Ideal for individuals and couples who want the essential legal documents every adult should have.)
Includes:
✓ Last Will and Testament
✓ Durable Financial Power of Attorney
✓ Advance Medical Directive
✓ HIPAA Authorization
✓ Attorney consultation
✓ Drafting and execution
Starting at
Individual: $950
Couple: $1,700
2. Family Protection Estate Plan
(Designed for families who want additional protection for children or beneficiaries.)
Includes everything included in the Essential Estate Plan plus:
✓ Testamentary Trust Planning
✓ Asset protection provisions
✓ Trustee planning
✓ Minor child planning
Starting at
Individual: $1,025
Couple: $1,850
3. Legacy Living Trust Plan
(A comprehensive estate plan for clients who wish to simplify estate administration and avoid probate for properly titled assets.)
Includes:
✓ Revocable Living Trust
✓ Pour-Over Will(s)
✓ Financial Powers of Attorney
✓ Advance Medical Directives
✓ HIPAA Authorizations
✓ Certification of Trust
✓ Personal Property Assignment
✓ Trust Funding Instructions
✓ One Deed transferring your residence into the Trust (when appropriate)
✓ Trust funding consultation
Starting at
Individual: $2,600
Couple: $3,250
Our Estate Planning Process
We strive to make estate planning simple and understandable. Our process is broken into steps:
Step One: Meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your family, assets, concerns, and goals.
Step Two: Receive recommendations based upon your unique circumstances.
Step Three: Review draft documents and request any desired changes.
Step Four: Execute your documents with attorney supervision.
Step Five: Leave with a completed estate plan and the confidence that your wishes have been documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Will?
Yes. Every adult should have a will. Without one, Virginia law determines who receives your property.
Is a living trust right for me?
A living trust may be appropriate if you:
Own multiple pieces of real estate
Have minor children
Want to avoid probate
Have children from a previous marriage
Own a business
Own property in multiple states
Want additional privacy
Desire greater control over how beneficiaries receive assets after you die
During your consultation we will discuss whether a living trust is appropriate for your situation.
What is the difference between a Will and a Living Trust?
A will directs the distribution of property after death through probate. A living trust owns property during your lifetime and can avoid probate for properly titled assets.
What happens if I become incapacitated?
Without a Financial Power of Attorney or Advance Medical Directive, your family may need to seek court authority before someone can manage your financial or medical affairs. It is important to create an estate plan before you lose capacity (the ability to make your own decisions).
How often should I update my estate planning?
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years or after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, retirement, or substantial changes in assets.
