Executive Summary: Virginia law may give a surviving spouse an elective-share right even when an estate plan provides something different. For deaths on or after January 1, 2017, the calculation uses augmented estate and a marital-property percentage tied to the length of the marriage. Trusts and other non-probate transfers do not automatically avoid these rules. You signed the documents. You chose your Read More
When Does Helping an Aging Parent Become Undue Influence?
Executive Summary: Virginia recognizes undue influence as a basis for challenging the validity of a will when improper pressure overcomes a person's free will. Helping an aging parent is not the same as manipulation, but certain warning signs may indicate a problem. Creating an estate plan early and ensuring decisions are made independently can help reduce future disputes. Helping an aging parent is a normal Read More
5 Estate Planning Questions Every Blended Family Should Ask
Executive Summary: Blended families often face unique estate planning questions involving children, stepchildren, remarriage, and future asset distribution. Trust-based planning may help protect a surviving spouse while also preserving assets for children. Because family structures and legal rights can change over time, thoughtful planning is often beneficial. Families look different today than they did a generation Read More
Continuing Our Support for The Ilona Foundation
One year after helping celebrate The Ilona Foundation’s inaugural charity golf tournament, The Norton Law Firm was honored to return for the Foundation’s second annual tournament on June 10, 2026, at Augustine Golf Club in Stafford. This year’s tournament brought together 51 golfers on 13 teams and raised more than $17,000 to support the Foundation’s work with individuals and families experiencing grief and Read More
What Happens If All Your Estate Plan Backups Fail?
Executive Summary: Estate plans often include multiple backup beneficiaries in case primary beneficiaries are gone. Without clear instructions, Virginia’s intestate succession laws may determine where assets go. Some families now choose charities as final backup beneficiaries, but retirement accounts can introduce tax and distribution issues that require careful legal review. People spend a lot of time thinking Read More
Who Should Be Your Trustee? (And Why Naming the Wrong One Causes Problems)
Executive Summary: Choosing the right trustee is one of the most important decisions in a trust-based estate plan. The trustee is responsible for managing assets during incapacity and after death, carrying out your instructions, and keeping things moving for your family. Naming multiple people often leads to delays, higher costs, and conflict. In most cases, naming one capable trustee with backups and the right Read More
Supporting Local Service: Greater Falls Run Lions Club Golf Fore Charity
The Norton Law Firm was pleased to support the Greater Falls Run Lions Club’s Golf Fore Charity tournament on May 4, 2026, joining golfers, volunteers, local businesses, and community supporters for a day devoted to giving back. Sixty-four golfers took part in this year’s tournament, helping the Lions Club generate more than $12,700 in net proceeds through the tournament and related fundraising efforts. For the Read More
Continuing the Ride: Supporting Habitat for Humanity in 2026
For another year, The Norton Law Firm was proud to support the Ride Virginia Habitat for Humanity Poker Run, serving as a Platinum Plus Sponsor of the May 2, 2026 event. This annual ride has become a tradition for both our firm and the Fredericksburg community, bringing together riders, volunteers, businesses, and supporters around a simple goal: helping local families build the stability that comes with having a Read More
What Are the Levels of Trial Courts in Virginia and Which One Handles Your Case?
Executive Summary: Virginia’s trial courts include the General District Court, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the Circuit Court. General District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, preliminary felony hearings, and many civil claims. Under Virginia Code § 16.1-77, General District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over many civil claims up to $4,500 and concurrent jurisdiction Read More
Who Can Take Over an Unclaimed Estate in Virginia?
Executive Summary: Under Virginia Code § 64.2-502, if no qualified person steps forward within 60 days of death, “any other person” may petition to administer an estate. While probate is supervised by the Commissioner of Accounts, this rule can create uncertainty if an estate is left unattended. A properly structured estate plan, especially one built around a funded revocable living trust, can avoid probate Read More
