Virginia: Duties and Repair Obligations of a Life Tenant
FAQ: Duties of a Life Tenant in Virginia Short answer: Under Virginia law, a life tenant must avoid committing waste, keep the property in ordinary repair, pay routine carrying costs (like property taxes and necessary insurance), and not take actions that permanently diminish the remainderman’s interest unless the deed says otherwise. Many duties depend on […]
Read article →Virginia — What Happens After the 90-Day Waiting Period for an Unclaimed Property Claim?
FAQ — What happens after the 90-day waiting period for an unclaimed property claim under Virginia law? Quick answer: After the mandatory 90-day waiting period, the Virginia Unclaimed Property Division continues its review. The claim will generally be approved and paid, returned for more documentation, denied, or delayed if another party asserts a competing claim. […]
Read article →Virginia: Getting Court Approval to Sell a House and Pay Off the Mortgage
FAQ: How do I get court approval to sell a house and pay off the mortgage in Virginia? Short answer: If you are the personal representative (executor/administrator), guardian, conservator, or a party with an interest in a decedent’s estate or an incapacitated person’s property, you generally must confirm whether your document (will, trust, or appointment […]
Read article →What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity in a Virginia Will Contest
How to prove undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity under Virginia law Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. If you are involved in a will contest, contact a licensed Virginia attorney to protect your rights. Detailed Answer When someone challenges a will in Virginia on the ground that the testator […]
Read article →How to File a Special Proceeding to Recover Foreclosure Surplus Funds in Virginia
Recovering Surplus Funds After a Virginia Foreclosure: Step-by-Step FAQ This FAQ-style guide explains how to start a special proceeding in Virginia to recover surplus funds left over after a foreclosure sale. It explains the court process, the documents you’ll need, who to notify, and practical tips so you can move forward confidently. This is educational […]
Read article →How do I force my sibling to give me a copy of our parents’ estate plan in Virginia after he ignored my formal request?
Detailed Answer Short answer: Under Virginia law, there is no general right to force a sibling to give you a private estate plan while your parents are alive and competent. Your options depend on whether the parents are alive, incapacitated, or deceased. If the parents are deceased, you can use the Virginia probate process and […]
Read article →How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved in Virginia probate?
What to expect when admitting an out-of-state will to probate in Virginia Detailed answer — step‑by‑step explanation under Virginia law If someone who was domiciled in Virginia dies leaving a will that was executed in another state or country, Virginia courts generally will consider and admit that will for probate so long as it meets […]
Read article →What can I expect as a timeline for an initial insurance offer after we send a demand? — VA
Detailed Answer — What to expect as a timeline for an initial insurance offer in Virginia Short answer: there is no firm, single deadline under Virginia law that forces an insurer to make an initial settlement offer a fixed number of days after you send a demand. In practice, an initial response or offer commonly […]
Read article →What Happens to a Safe Deposit Box After Someone Dies in VA?
Overview: Who controls a deceased person's safe deposit box in Virginia? When the renter of a safe deposit box dies, banks in Virginia usually restrict access immediately. Who can lawfully open the box next depends on several facts: whether someone else is named on the box (a co-renter), whether a power of attorney or trust […]
Read article →What Happens if a Will Is Lost or Destroyed in Virginia (VA)?
Detailed Answer This article explains what typically happens in Virginia if a last will and testament cannot be located or appears to have been destroyed. It summarizes how Virginia courts approach lost or destroyed wills, what evidence the court will require, the practical consequences for the estate, and steps you can take. This is educational […]
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