Virginia Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Virginia, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Virginia guide.
- Will
- Virginia will requirements explained: 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, holographic wills, self-proving affidavits, and how divorce revokes a will. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Virginia living trust vs probate: how a revocable trust works, what it costs, and why low VA probate tax means many estates do not need one. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Virginia power of attorney basics: durable by default, signing and notary rules, springing POAs, hot powers needing an express grant, and how it ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How a Virginia advance medical directive works: one witnessed document for living-will wishes plus a health care agent, the surrogate list, and VDH registry. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Virginia requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Virginia estate planning guides
Virginia Estate Planning Basics: The Documents Every Adult Needs
Virginia estate planning basics: the will, durable POA, and advance directive every adult needs, plus probate, small-estate limits, and taxes under Title 64.2.
Virginia Will Requirements
Virginia will requirements explained: 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, holographic wills, self-proving affidavits, and how divorce revokes a will.
Virginia Power of Attorney
Virginia power of attorney basics: durable by default, signing and notary rules, springing POAs, hot powers needing an express grant, and how it ends at death.
Virginia Advance Medical Directive
How a Virginia advance medical directive works: one witnessed document for living-will wishes plus a health care agent, the surrogate list, and VDH registry.
Virginia Guardianship Planning
Avoid a Virginia guardianship by planning with a durable POA and advance directive, plus how adult guardianship and conservatorship work if a court is needed.
Virginia Living Trust vs Probate
Virginia living trust vs probate: how a revocable trust works, what it costs, and why low VA probate tax means many estates do not need one.
Virginia Trust Administration Guide
How a successor trustee settles a Virginia revocable living trust after death under the Virginia Uniform Trust Code (Va. Code Title 64.2, Chapter 7).
Virginia Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed
A Virginia transfer on death deed (beneficiary deed) passes your home to a beneficiary outside probate, stays revocable, and must be recorded before death.
How Pet Trusts Work in Virginia
How a Virginia pet trust works under the Virginia Uniform Trust Code: setting aside money for an animal's care, naming a caregiver and trustee, and funding it.
Digital Assets and Estate Planning in Virginia
How to plan for and access a deceased person's digital assets in Virginia under RUFADAA: online tools, will and POA language, crypto, and executor access.
Not sure what you need in Virginia?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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