Wills and Trusts Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
Wills, trusts, and estate planning are foundational steps for protecting your family and achieving your legacy goals. For Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana residents, working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that your wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are properly executed under Virginia law and that your intentions are clear. The Virginia Uniform Trust Code (Va. Code § 64.2-700 et seq.) and the Virginia Wills Act (§ 64.2-400 et seq.) set out the formal requirements for creating valid wills and trusts in the Commonwealth. Probate proceedings for Virginia Beach decedents are handled in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. Whether you need to create a simple will, establish a living trust to avoid probate, or seek representation in a will contest or fiduciary dispute, understanding local court procedures is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing since 1997, assist individuals and families throughout Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region with all aspects of trust and estate law. To schedule a consultation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Trust and Estate Planning Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach residents seeking to plan their estates must navigate Virginia’s statutory framework. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court Probate Division handles all local probate matters, including the qualification of executors and administrators, the probate of wills, and the administration of trusts under court supervision. Because Virginia imposes no state-level estate tax, most clients focus on federal estate tax planning. For 2026, the federal estate tax exemption amount is set high enough that many estates pass tax-free, but proper planning remains important for larger estates and for managing income tax basis issues.
For decedents dying in 2026, the federal estate tax applicable exclusion amount is $15,000,000 per individual.
Source: 26 U.S.C. § 2010(c)(3) as amended by Pub. L. 119-21 § 70106. IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
The region’s demographics — including military families connected to Naval Air Station Oceana, retirees, and multigenerational families — create a range of estate planning needs. Trusts may be used to manage assets for minor children, provide for a surviving spouse while preserving assets for later beneficiaries, or address special needs planning. Real estate in Virginia Beach also requires careful consideration in estate plans, whether a primary residence or investment property. Our Richmond location works closely with Virginia Beach clients, appearing at the Circuit Court and coordinating with local fiduciaries and financial professionals.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Trust and Estate Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take a collaborative, client-centered approach to trust and estate matters. They begin by understanding your goals, family dynamics, and financial circumstances, then recommend tailored strategies that may include wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and other planning tools. The attorneys coordinate with your financial and tax advisors to ensure that the plan works as intended and that all documents are properly executed under Virginia law. When disputes arise, the team represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, or heirs in will contests, trust interpretation disputes, and fiduciary litigation.
The probate and trust administration process in Virginia Beach is handled through the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide executors and trustees through each step, from filing the will and inventory to preparing accountings and obtaining court approval for distributions. The timeline for probate depends on the complexity of the estate and the court’s calendar; straightforward matters may proceed without significant delay. Throughout the engagement, the team emphasizes clear communication and practical solutions to protect your family’s interests.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice includes trust and estate matters, where he draws on his extensive legal experience to help clients plan and protect their legacies. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and over 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced practitioners who support trust and estate matters, bringing additional perspectives to complex planning and litigation. They work alongside Mr. Sris to ensure thorough preparation and responsive client service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to create a will in Virginia?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to create a will in Virginia, but doing so helps ensure your will meets the statutory formalities under Va. Code § 64.2-400 et seq. And accurately reflects your wishes. An improperly executed will may be challenged or declared invalid. An experienced attorney can help coordinate your will with other estate planning tools such as trusts and powers of attorney.
What is probate and how does it work in Virginia Beach?
Probate is the court-supervised process of proving a will’s validity, appointing an executor, settling debts, and distributing assets. In Virginia Beach, probate is handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The timeline varies based on estate complexity and court scheduling. A lawyer can assist with filing the will, preparing inventories and accountings, and guiding the executor through the process.
How can I avoid probate in Virginia?
A properly funded revocable living trust allows your assets to pass outside of probate, potentially saving time and preserving privacy. However, a trust must be drafted correctly and all assets titled in the trust’s name. In Virginia, a trust can also help manage assets for minors or provide tax planning benefits. An attorney can advise whether a trust is appropriate for your goals.
What is the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will is a legal document that states how you want your property distributed after death and names a guardian for minor children. It must go through probate. A living trust is a separate legal entity that holds your assets; with proper funding, those assets avoid probate. Both can be part of a comprehensive estate plan, and an experienced attorney can help you decide which tools suit your family’s needs.
What happens if I die without a will in Virginia?
If you die without a will (intestate), Virginia’s intestacy laws (Va. Code § 64.2-200 et seq.) determine how your property is distributed. Generally, it goes first to your surviving spouse or descendants, but the distribution may not align with your wishes. The court will appoint an administrator. Creating a will gives you control over who receives your assets and who manages your estate.
How often should I update my estate plan?
You should review your estate plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant changes in financial status. Even without such events, it is prudent to review your will and trust periodically to ensure they remain current with Virginia law and your circumstances. An attorney can help you assess whether updates are needed.
For further information, consult these official Virginia primary sources: Virginia Code Title 64.2 — Wills, Trusts, and Estates and Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
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