Effective estate and business planning provides clarity about asset distribution, authority during incapacity, and a planned path for business continuity. Properly drafted documents can reduce probate delays, lower administrative burden for heirs, and create mechanisms like buy-sell agreements to keep companies operating smoothly after ownership changes, preserving value for families and stakeholders.
Comprehensive planning can integrate estate tax considerations, trust design, and retirement account beneficiary strategies to reduce potential tax burdens. Thoughtful asset allocation and document coordination help preserve estate value and may improve liquidity for settling obligations without forcing sales at inopportune times.
Clients work with Hatcher Legal for practical, client-centered guidance that emphasizes clear documents and realistic solutions. We prioritize careful drafting, effective communication, and thoughtful planning tailored to each family’s or company’s priorities, helping reduce uncertainty and support intended outcomes in both estate and business contexts.
After documents are in place we assist with trust administration, corporate governance matters, and dispute resolution. When conflicts arise we pursue mediation or litigation strategies focused on preserving value and relationships, and on practical solutions that achieve clients’ objectives with minimal disruption.
Costs for estate planning vary based on complexity, the number and types of documents needed, and whether trusts or tax planning are involved. Simple wills and powers of attorney are typically less expensive, while trust-based plans, multi-jurisdictional considerations, and complex asset protection require additional drafting and coordination. We provide a clear estimate after an initial consultation and document review. Our fee discussions outline what is included, options to phase services, and any likely filing or recording costs so clients can make informed decisions about scope and budgeting.
A will directs how assets are distributed at death and typically must pass through probate, which is the court-supervised process of administering an estate. A trust holds assets in a separate legal arrangement that can provide privacy, allow ongoing management by a trustee, and often avoids probate for assets properly funded into the trust. Trusts can be revocable, allowing changes during the grantors lifetime, or irrevocable, which may provide greater asset protection or tax benefits. The right choice depends on your goals, asset types, and wishes for management after incapacity or death.
Yes. We assist with entity selection, drafting formation documents, filing registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and preparing operating or shareholder agreements. Proper formation addresses liability protection, tax implications, and governance to match the owner’s goals and planned operations. We also coordinate required registrations, state tax accounts, and initial corporate formalities to help ensure the entity is structurally sound and ready for transactions, hiring, or contracting. Early legal guidance prevents costly corrections later and supports growth plans.
You should review your estate plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant changes in assets, relocation across state lines, or a change in health status. Even without major events, a review every few years helps ensure documents remain current with legal changes and personal intentions. Periodic updates also ensure beneficiary designations and account titles match the plan so assets transfer as intended. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of conflicting instructions and avoids unintended outcomes for heirs and co-owners.
A buy-sell agreement establishes how ownership interests are transferred when an owner leaves, retires, becomes incapacitated, or dies. It sets valuation methods, transfer restrictions, and often funding mechanisms such as life insurance to facilitate buyouts. For businesses with multiple owners, these agreements reduce disputes and provide predictability during transitions. Not every business needs the same type of buy-sell structure, but any company with more than one owner should consider one to address succession, liquidity, and valuation questions ahead of time. We help craft terms that reflect ownership goals and financial realities.
We assist with probate administration, representation of personal representatives or executors, will interpretation issues, and the transfer of assets according to Virginia law. Probate can involve court filings, creditor notices, inventory preparation, and distribution of assets; attentive management reduces delays and compliance concerns. When an estate qualifies for simplified procedures, we advise on eligibility and assist with streamlined filings. We also support beneficiaries and fiduciaries when disputes arise, offering mediation or litigation options to resolve contested matters efficiently and fairly.
Yes. Mediation is often an effective first step for family and business disputes because it focuses on negotiated solutions and preserves relationships while avoiding the costs and unpredictability of litigation. We offer mediation services for estate matters, business disagreements, and succession disputes to help parties reach practical resolutions. When mediation is not successful or appropriate, we provide representation in litigation with a focus on protecting client interests and achieving workable outcomes. Our approach emphasizes communication, documented agreements, and minimizing business disruption during dispute resolution.
A durable power of attorney allows a chosen agent to make financial decisions on your behalf if you cannot act, while a healthcare power or advance directive communicates medical preferences and appoints a decision-maker for health matters. These documents take effect according to their terms and are essential for managing incapacity with minimal court involvement. Selecting a trusted agent and outlining clear authority and limitations helps avoid disputes. We help clients draft powers of attorney that reflect practical needs, provide instructions for health care, and coordinate these documents with estate plans and beneficiary designations.
Bring identification, recent statements for bank and investment accounts, deeds or vehicle titles, business formation documents, insurance policies, retirement account information, and any existing wills or trusts. Providing a clear asset inventory and copies of business agreements accelerates the planning process and helps identify potential conflicts or gaps. Also bring names and contact information for potential trustees, agents, and beneficiaries, along with any questions about your goals. This preparatory work allows us to focus the initial consultation on strategy and practical next steps.
The timeline to form a business in Virginia depends on the entity type and whether filings are made online or by mail. Many LLCs or corporations can be formed within a few business days when filings are submitted electronically, though drafting governing documents and obtaining EINs, licenses, and accounts can extend the overall setup timeline. We guide clients through formation and post-formation tasks such as operating agreements, registrations, and compliance steps to ensure the entity is ready to operate and that ownership and governance are clearly documented from the start.
