COVID-19 Update: We are open for business and offer virtual complimentary consultations to create or update your estate planning documents.
Services
Last Will and Testament
- A Will is a simple instrument to pass your assets to your heirs after you die.
- A Will can be very useful.
- It is the Document where you choose the guardianship for your minor children, if you should pass away before your children reach the age of majority.
Unfortunately, a Will has to go through the probate process. Probate is the legal process through which the court makes sure that, when you die, your Will is legally valid, your debts are paid, and your assets are distributed according to the provisions of your Will.
Advantages of a Will
- A Will is an inexpensive Estate Planning tool in the short term.
- A Will is where you choose a guardian for your minor children.
- A Will is probated under the supervision of the court.
Disadvantages of a Will
- A Will is a much more expensive Estate Planning tool in the long run.
- A Will goes through the probate process, and may cost your estate large amounts of expenses and fees.
- A Will, and its probate process, will take many months or even years before it is finished.
Mistakes to avoid
A Last Will and Testament is a very important document. It should be prepared by a competent attorney, and preferably, an attorney who specializes in Wills, Trusts, and Estates.
It is a big mistake to do this yourself. If you use canned software or services on the internet, you could be creating a document that is invalid or that you do not properly understand.
Relying on an old Will or an out of state Will may cause problems for your heirs.
Often, people create a Will, and then forget about it. You should review your Will on occasion. Your Will should be valid under the laws of the State in which you live. You should make sure that the person(s) that you have chosen for Executor and Guardian are still the right person(s) for the job.
If you have an old Will, and wish to have it reviewed by a professional, then contact us.
Revocable Living Trust
A Revocable Living Trust is a tool to pass your assets to your heirs in a “protective shell”. The inheritance that your heirs receive will be available to them, but will not be available to their creditors, or ex-spouses.
A Revocable Living Trust is a useful Estate Planning Tool
A Revocable Living Trust is a simple entity which you create on paper. It can be used to avoid probate, avoid estate taxes, and to pass your assets to your heirs in a safe and efficient fashion.
A Revocable Living Trust avoids probate
When you create a Revocable Living Trust, and title your assets in the name of the trust, you no longer have assets that need to be probated. Once you have put your assets in your trust, you can still do whatever you want with your assets. You spend when you want to spend. You save when you want to save. You do whatever you want to do with your assets. However, when you die, your heirs do not have to deal with the probate process.
A Revocable Living Trust is a Will substitute
A Revocable Living Trust is a Will substitute because it describes where your assets are to be distributed when you die. All assets in the trust will be distributed as you direct in the document.
A Revocable Living Trust allows you to pass your assets to your heirs in a protected manner
A Revocable Living Trust allows you to pass your assets to your heirs “in trust”. If done properly, the assets will be protected from disasters, such as law suits and divorces… This type of trust is often referred to as a “Dynasty Trust”. Revocable Living Trusts can be used for generational planning, a way to ensure that your heirs are financially secure.
Advantages of a Revocable Living Trust
- A Revocable Living Trust will cost more than a Will when created; however, in the long run it will save your estate much more money than it costs.
- A Revocable Living Trust will avoid the expense and aggravations of the probate process.
- A Revocable Living Trust can be used to pass assets to young or immature heirs under the supervision of a trusted person.
- A Revocable Living Trust allows you to pass your assets to your heirs in a protected manner.
Estate Planning Services
At the Acorn Estate Planning, we offer complete Estate Planning Services, and specialize in Revocable Living Trusts, Generational Planning, and Dynasty Trusts.
We have over twenty years experience in Wills, Trusts, and Estates.
We offer complete services to our clients, from initial meetings, to document drafting, to review and signing, to annual review of documents, and examination of law changes and how they may affect our clients.
We also have relationships with Financial Advisors and Insurance Professionals who can offer advice to you in regards to Estate Planning.
Our approach is Family Centered, and we assist clients of all ages and financial backgrounds in creating an estate plan that will assist our clients and protect their heirs.
About Us
John M.Coppola, J.D.
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- Email John
- 703-934-4895
John M.Coppola was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1989. He currently lives in Northern Virginia, and practices law principally out of his Fairfax, Virginia office of The Coppola Law Firm, PLLC.
Mr. Coppola was raised in Northern Virginia and he attended Catholic elementary school and high school in that area. In 1982, he earned a B.A. in economics from Union College in Schenectady, New York. He then attended graduate school at Boston College, earning an M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing in 1984, at the age of 23.
After earning his M.B.A., Mr. Coppola returned to Northern Virginia and worked as the Assistant Director the Washington Business School, a well respected trade school. In 1985, Mr. Coppola began attending law school at American University, Washington College of Law while working full time. He earned his J.D. from American University in December 1988, and was admitted to the Bar of Virginia in 1989.
After passing the Virginia Bar, Mr. Coppola continued in his position at Washington Business School, while also taking on a few legal duties for the School. In 1996, Mr. Coppola formed a partnership with John Ryan, an Estates and Trusts lawyer and lifelong friend. Soon after forming the partnership, John Coppola began working in the area of Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Mr. Ryan has recently opened a solo practice in Reston.
Mr. Coppola has practiced law from an office in Northern Virginia since 2000 and concentrates his practice in the area of Wills, Trusts, and Estates. He has helped over 800 clients, and their families.
On January 1 of 2015, John M. Coppola opened the doors of The Coppola Firm, PLLC, located in Fairfax, Virginia. With over 20 years of experience, allow John M. Coppola to serve you and your family’s needs.
Patricia Coppola
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- Email Patty
- 703-934-4895
I have built a career on compassion for clients and understanding how best to meet their needs. Whether it is working with companies to manage their customer relationships holistically or working one on one with clients, my passion is delivering the best experience possible.
Customers are critical and it is important for companies to build a customer-centric approach to how they work with customers day to day. I thrive in building organizations and designing the optimal capabilities when it comes to creating value for customers in each interaction.
Launching my own marketing consultancy focused on market research and working with top clients like American Express, provided the foundation for my passion for understanding customers. I appreciate firms that take their roles seriously when it comes to engaging effectively with their clients.
Tracey Leverett
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- Email Tracey
- 703-934-4895
As a practical problem solver, I am energized by working with people to bring about results. I love finding creative solutions to problems or just finding a more efficient way to work and accomplish goals. My focus is on helping people and organizations solve problems with integrity.
A Hoosier (Indiana-born) at heart, I grew up in a number of states, which has provided a foundation of sincere interest in others and curiosity for learning, communicating and sharing information. This combination steered me in the direction of providing marketing strategy leadership. I have been involved in all steps of marketing and winning new business by working cross-departmentally and collaboratively utilizing strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Planning for the future and the legacy we want to leave our families is essential. I am pleased to be a part of assisting our clients in this very significant process to bring about peace of mind. I love building a rapport with people, treating others with respect and consideration, to provide a positive customer experience.
I am passionate about giving back to the community as a Marketing Committee member of Loudoun Cares and also mentoring young people.
Daniel O’Connell
- Email Daniel
- 703-934-4895
Daniel O’Connell is a native of Vienna, VA and graduated from James Madison High School. In May 2020, he earned a B.A. with distinction, in Economics and Business with a concentration in Global Management from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). At VMI, he served in several leadership positions including on the committee responsible for implementing accountability measures for first year students and as a physical fitness trainer.
Daniel is a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. He completed the Reserve Officer Training Program at VMI. He has been selected for the Army’s Armor Branch and looks forward to serving our nation. Daniel enjoys working for Acorn Estate Planning because it provides an opportunity for him apply his business and accounting knowledge to help clients in a meaningful way.
While at Acorn Estate Planning, Daniel will focus on client relations, client management, and general administrative work. He is detail-oriented and takes initiative in the workplace. We’re excited to have Daniel and welcome him to the team.
Register for a Complimentary Estate Planning Seminar
Date
Coming soon
Topics being discussed at seminars:
- Assets flow through to heirs in a protected shell.
- Avoidance of Probate.
- Ensure assets stay in the family line.
- Safeguarding inheritances for young heirs.
- Making sure your plan works for you and your family.
- Planning for your heirs to administer your Trust after you pass away.
Please feel free to bring a friend!
Use the form on the right or call us at 703-934-4895 to register.
Date
Thursday, November 7th at 7:00pm
