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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
At the Coppola Law Firm, 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.
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.
John joined AFAS as a financial advisor in 2014, having previously worked as an advisor with Dominion Wealth Management in Reston, Virginia. John is a graduate of Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut (B.A. in Economics).
He is an attorney (J.D., University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, Georgia) with an active estate planning and tax practice. He is a member of the bars of the States of New York and Virginia. John is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He joined AFAS as a financial advisor in 2014, having previously worked as an advisor with Dominion Wealth Management in Reston, Virginia.
John is a native Washingtonian, an instrument rated pilot, an avid golfer and cyclist, and a fan of all Washington sports teams.
Jonathan Cox was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2017. He was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia, where he continues to reside today. He graduated from Yorktown High School and then went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
After finishing his undergraduate education, he matriculated at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, from which he obtained his Juris Doctorate with a concentration in tax law.
While attending law school he worked various internships spanning the areas of general civil litigation and regulatory law. He is an active member of the Virginia State Bar’s Trusts and Estates Section, and is eager to gain knowledge and experience in his chosen practice area.
Date
Thursday, November 7th at 7:00pm
Location
Lost Rhino Brewery
21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite 142
Ashburn, VA 20147
View location map
Please feel free to bring a friend!
Use the form on the right or call us at 703-934-4895 to register.
Topics being discussed at seminars: