Burke, Virginia Estate Planning Attorneys

Estate planning is for everybody, not just the wealthy or for those nearing the end of their life. In addition, estate planning is essential to make sure your affairs are not left intestate. At HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC Carlson Baumgartner Murphy, PLC, we offer a team of experienced attorneys who can provide comprehensive estate planning for residents in Burke, Virginia. We also provide guidance in other areas, such as Annandale in Fairfax County. Our lawyers pride themselves on the estate planning services that we are able to provide our clients. We understand the importance of estate planning as well as how Virginia laws intersect with plans that you make for your family’s future. Our Burke estate planning attorneys are ready to help you with a wide range of issues, including drafting or updating a last will and testament, pet trusts, establishing trusts, helping with powers of attorney, asset preservation, and estate tax or debt issues. Call us today so we can get started on mapping your estate plan. Our attorneys are also skilled in various types of trusts, including traditional trusts and less common trusts like resulting and constructive trusts.

Comprehensive Estate Planning In Burke, VA

When Silas Burke set up shop in this area of Fairfax County in the early 1800s (his house still stands, overlooking Pohick Creek), he may not have envisioned the diversity that would come to the region. But now, Burke is filled with people that want to secure their family’s future. They can help secure that future with an estate plan that fit their needs.

The HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC estate planning attorneys in Burke, VA, have extensive experience handling various types of estate planning needs. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Wills – A will is a legal document that a person creates that will dictate the distribution of their property after they pass away. A will can be modified or revoked during the lifetime of the person who makes it, and it can include your choice of an estate administrator, beneficiaries of your assets, and guardians for minor children.
• Trusts – A trust involves the transfer of property from one person to the control of a trustee. Many estate plans do involve trusts, while others do not. There are various types of trusts in Burke, Virginia. Some people choose to establish a trust, transfer their assets into the trust, and control those assets as the trustee until their passing. The assets in the trust can then be passed to another trustee without going through the probate court. A trust can also be essential to ensure the proper management of property left to individuals who are minors, disabled, or irresponsible with finances.
• Powers of Attorney – A power of attorney (POA) is a written legal document signed by a competent individual that authorizes another person to act on their behalf. A POA can grant broad or limited types of authority, though they typically revolve around giving another person the ability to make financial or medical decisions on behalf of the “principal.” There are various types of powers of attorney, including durable powers of attorney and springing powers of attorney.
• Estate Tax Planning – Estates and taxes in Virginia go hand in hand, and it is always a good idea to discuss tax options with a qualified estate planning attorney in Burke. At HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC, our team is ready to provide you with extensive and up-to-date knowledge about tax laws so we can help best protect your money and assets.
• Trust Administration – Those responsible for administering trusts are called the trustee. There are various types of trusts that can be established, but they must be operated correctly in accordance with the terms of the trust. At HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC, our Burke estate planning attorneys are here to help guide you through the trust administration process to ensure that you perform your trustee duties appropriately.
• Estate Planning for Second Marriages – It is not uncommon for a person who has an established estate plan in Burke, VA to get remarried, whether after a divorce or after the death of a spouse. In these situations, it is critical to update your estate plan to meet any changing needs. This could include drafting premarital agreements and working to include your current spouse in your overall estate plans. By working with a qualified Burke estate planning lawyer, you can be sure that these steps will be completed properly.
• Pet Trusts – Residents in Burke, VA, love their pets. At HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC, our pet trust attorneys understand that you want to ensure your pets are cared for should you become disabled or pass away. We work to establish a special pet trust that will provide the proper resources to care for your loyal companions if this occurs.

How Is Your Burke Estate Taxed?

Undoubtedly, you will wonder how taxes will intersect with your estate plan. Not only is this important while you are alive, but taxes will also be a factor in your estate after you pass away. At HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC, our Burke estate planning attorneys understand how both federal and state taxes could affect your plans.

First, we want you to know that Virginia does not impose an estate tax or an inheritance tax on its citizens. However, there is a federal estate tax that you need to be aware of. Federal estate tax laws change frequently, and they will do so again in 2026. The current federal estate tax exemption is $11.58 million per person. Married couples can combine their exemptions for a total of $23.16 million. The current federal estate tax is 40%.

Essentially, this means that an estate will only be taxed at the 40% rate for any amount that goes over the $11.58 million exemption (or $23.16 million for married couples).

The federal estate tax exemption will increase every year to adjust for inflation until the year 2025. However, in 2026, this exemption amount will revert back to $5.49 million, which is the 2017 level. Congress may or may not choose to extend the current exemption levels at that point.

Is a last will and testament all you need?

A last will and testament is the first step towards protecting your assets and your family when you pass away. However, a will can only help distribute the assets. There are various other situations that you should prepare for with a comprehensive estate plan in Burke, Virginia. For example, a power of attorney can grant authority to another person to help you make decisions if you are no longer able to do so. When it comes to property division, this can help prevent issues like quiet title actions. Estate plans can also help avoid burdensome taxes and probate court, particularly if you choose to establish a trust. Whether you need to create an estate or make sure an estate is completed and closed, we are here for you.  Contact us to speak to an experienced attorney today.

Contact a Burke estate planning lawyer for help today

If you or a loved one have any questions about planning your estate, please contact the experienced team at HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC for help today. Our Burke estate planning lawyers have tremendous experience in this area of law, and we are ready to develop an individualized plan to meet any of your estate needs.

Burke is a short drive to our office in Fairfax (only around six miles). Depending on where you are in Burke, you can take a quick drive on Burke Road to Guinea Road, then continue onto Twinbrook Road. You will then take a left on Braddock Road. Follow Braddock until you come to Ox Road and take a right. You continue driving on Ox Road until you approach the Fairfax County Judicial Center, where you will see Jones Street on the left. Turn onto Jones St, and our offices are on the first left (Judicial Drive).

We understand how important these matters are for you and your family to have peace of mind knowing that your future is taken care of. You can contact us for a free review of your estate planning matter by filling out an online form or calling 703.591.4900.