Planning for the future isn’t always easy; however, it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and loved ones. At Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC, we help individuals and families make informed, confident decisions about their estate. If you’re searching for a Fairfax, VA estate planning lawyer, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you with care, clarity, and customized strategies. Whether you’re just starting to think about your estate or you need to update an existing plan, we offer solutions that reflect your unique needs, family dynamics, and goals. Contact us today.
Estate Planning Lawyer Fairfax, VA
If you’re looking for a Fairfax estate planning lawyer, we offer the trusted experience and personal attention you deserve. Our estate management lawyers do more than just draft a will. Estate planning is about making thoughtful decisions that safeguard your legacy and provide clarity for your loved ones. Whether you’re planning for the future of your children, organizing your assets, or preparing for the unexpected, our legal team helps you create a comprehensive plan that reflects your values and goals.
We assist clients with a full range of estate planning services, including wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and more. Every document is carefully crafted to minimize conflict, protect your estate, and make sure your wishes are honored. Our estate planning attorneys also guide you through important tax considerations, probate avoidance strategies, and planning for incapacity offering tailored legal insight at every step.
With decades of experience and deep roots in the Fairfax community, we bring clarity to complicated legal issues and help you make confident, informed decisions. When you work with us, you’re not just preparing for tomorrow, you’re building peace of mind for years to come.
Why Experience Matters In Estate Planning
For over 40 years, our firm has served the Fairfax community with integrity, insight, and dedication. We bring:
- Martindale‑Hubbell AV Preeminent® peer rating for legal expertise and ethics
- Best Law Firms Ranked by Best Lawyers
- Known for advising partnerships and investment ventures in the region
Our Fairfax estate planning lawyers offer more than documents, we offer guidance, foresight, and ongoing support.
“I can’t say enough good things about the services I received while working with this firm. They not only got me through the legal process but took a personal interest in making sure they did everything they could on my behalf. That is something you don’t find every day in working with a legal firm. I highly recommend their services. Helpful, knowledgeable, and top notch!”
If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your future and your family’s future, we’re here to help. Contact Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC to discuss your estate planning goals in a confidential consultation. We’ll help you start building a plan that brings clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
The Difference Between A Will And A Trust In Estate Planning
As our Fairfax, VA estate planning lawyer can confirm, when it comes to estate planning, two of the most common tools are wills and trusts. Both play important roles in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, but they function in very different ways. Understanding the differences between a will and a trust can help you make informed decisions about which option—or combination—is best for your situation.
What Is A Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It allows you to:
- Designate beneficiaries for your property and assets
- Name a guardian for minor children
- Appoint an executor to manage your estate
A will only takes effect upon your death and must go through probate, a court-supervised process where your debts are settled and assets are distributed. Probate ensures the validity of the will, but it can be time-consuming, costly, and public.
What Is A Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where you transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee, who manages those assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. Trusts can be created during your lifetime (living trusts) or upon your death through your will (testamentary trusts).
Trusts can:
- Allow assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate
- Provide ongoing management of assets for minors or individuals with special needs
- Offer privacy, since trusts are not part of the public record
- Potentially reduce estate taxes, depending on how they are structured
Unlike a will, a trust can take effect while you are still alive, offering benefits for incapacity planning as well.
Key Differences Between A Will And A Trust
- Timing: A will goes into effect only after your death, while a trust can be effective during your lifetime and continue after your death.
- Probate: Wills must go through probate, but trusts typically allow assets to transfer outside of probate, saving time and money.
- Privacy: A will becomes part of the public record once filed with the probate court, while a trust remains private.
- Control: Trusts offer more flexibility and control over when and how your assets are distributed. For example, you can set conditions such as delaying distribution until a child reaches a certain age.
- Cost and Complexity: Wills are generally simpler and less expensive to create, while trusts require more effort and cost upfront but can save money in the long run by avoiding probate.
Do You Need Both?
In many cases, individuals benefit from having both a will and a trust. A will can cover matters such as naming guardians for children, while a trust can handle asset management and avoid probate. Together, they provide a comprehensive estate plan that ensures both legal and financial protection for your loved ones.
The difference between a will and a trust lies in how and when they take effect, their involvement in probate, and the level of control and privacy they provide. While a will may be sufficient for some, many families choose to use trusts to simplify asset distribution and protect their privacy. Consulting our Fairfax estate planning lawyer can help you decide which approach best fits your needs and ensures that your wishes are carried out smoothly. At Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC, we are here to help you.