Wills, Trusts & Estates

At Tarris Law, we understand that planning for the future is about more than just finances—it's about providing security for your loved ones, ensuring your legacy, and protecting your values. Whether you're looking to create a comprehensive estate plan, draft a business succession strategy, or appoint a trusted executor or trustee, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. With offices in Lexington and Roanoke, Virginia, we’re ready to help you build a plan that gives you and your family peace of mind.

Every individual and family is unique, which is why we provide personalized estate planning services to address your specific needs. A well-crafted estate plan allows you to:

• Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
• Appoint trusted individuals to manage your affairs when you’re no longer able.
• Protect your business and ensure its continuity.
• Minimize taxes, legal costs, and family disputes.

Our attorneys specialize in drafting estate plans that reflect your goals, protect your assets, and give you confidence for the future.

At Tarris Law, we provide all the essential elements of a comprehensive estate plan, including:

Wills

• Direct how your assets will be distributed.
• Name guardians for minor children.
• Appoint an executor to carry out your wishes.

Living Trusts

• Avoid probate for a smoother transfer of assets.
• Provide for minor children or dependents with special needs.
• Protect privacy and reduce legal costs.

Durable Powers of Attorney

• Designate a trusted individual to handle financial matters if you become incapacitated.

Advance Medical Directives

• Specify your healthcare preferences and appoint a decision-maker for medical emergencies.

Business Succession Plans

• Protect your company’s future with a clear strategy for transferring ownership and management.
• Minimize disruptions for employees and family members who depend on the business.

Executor and Trustee Services

• Tarris Law offers professional executor and trustee services to ensure your estate or trust is managed according to your wishes when you can no longer do so.

Choosing the right executor or trustee is a critical decision that ensures your estate is handled properly and your beneficiaries are cared for. By appointing Tarris Law, you gain:

• Professionalism and Expertise: We have the legal and financial knowledge necessary to navigate complex estate and trust administration.
• Neutrality: As an impartial third party, we reduce the risk of family disputes and ensure fair treatment for all beneficiaries.
• Efficiency and Accuracy: We handle all administrative tasks promptly and meticulously, from paying debts to distributing assets.
• Continuity: We provide long-term support to beneficiaries, ensuring that trusts and estates are managed seamlessly over time.

For business owners, an estate plan isn’t complete without a succession strategy. A clear business succession plan:

• Protects Your Legacy: Ensures the company you’ve worked hard to build continues to thrive.
• Reduces Disruption: Provides a roadmap for ownership and management transitions.
• Minimizes Taxes: Structures the transfer of ownership to reduce estate and inheritance taxes.
• Prevents Conflicts: Clarifies roles and responsibilities to avoid disputes among family members or partners.

We work with you to create a plan that aligns with your vision, whether that means passing the business to family, selling it, or transitioning to key employees.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to ensure their assets, loved ones, and legacy are protected. You should consider creating or updating an estate plan if you:

• Own a business or significant property.
• Have dependents, including minor children or aging parents.
• Want to protect assets from creditors or lawsuits.
• Are planning for retirement or long-term care.
• Have complex family dynamics, such as blended families or estranged relatives.

We make estate planning simple, thorough, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Consultation: We meet with you to understand your goals and gather key information about your family, finances, and values.
2. Customized Recommendations: We provide tailored advice on the best strategies and documents to meet your needs.
3. Drafting Your Plan: Our attorneys meticulously draft your estate plan to reflect your wishes and comply with Virginia law.
4. Execution: We guide you through the process of signing, notarizing, and finalizing your plan.
5. Ongoing Updates: Life changes, and so should your estate plan. We’re here to help you update your documents as your circumstances evolve.

1. Experienced Staff: Our team has years of experience crafting estate plans and handling complex trust and estate matters.
2. Local Knowledge: With offices in Lexington and Roanoke, we understand the unique needs of Virginia families and businesses.
3. Comprehensive Services: From drafting documents to serving as executor or trustee, we handle every aspect of estate planning.
4. Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your goals and tailor our services to your specific situation.

Your estate plan is an investment in your family’s future and your peace of mind. Whether you need a simple will or a comprehensive business succession strategy, Tarris Law is here to help.

Contact us today at 540-319-4111 or Schedule a Consultation Online to begin creating a plan that protects your legacy and provides for your loved ones.

With offices in Lexington and Roanoke, Tarris Law is your trusted partner for all your estate planning needs.