Draft a Legally Sound Will With a Virginia Attorney Who Puts Your Family First

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Take Control of Your Wishes—Protect Loved Ones and Avoid Uncertainty

A Last Will and Testament contains your instructions on who inherits your assets, who cares for your children, and how your final wishes are to be carried out. Without a valid Virginia will, state law takes over—your property may not go where you want, and a judge will choose guardians for your kids without your input. Berdan Law makes the process clear and personal, so whether your wishes are simple or complex, they are clear and enforceable in court.

Get Started on Your Will

Common Reasons Virginia Families Need a Will

Guardianship for Minor Children

The only way to name guardians you trust is in a legally executed will—protect your kids from uncertainty and court-appointed choices.

Controlling Your Legacy

Decide who receives your home, accounts, or treasured belongings instead of relying on Virginia’s default intestacy laws.

Naming an Executor

Select someone you trust to handle your affairs, ensuring your wishes are respected and the process runs smoothly.

Addressing Real Estate and Special Items

Set out non-probate transfers of real estate or valuable vehicles located anywhere in Virginia so that your beneficiaries have immediate control without court intervention.

Peace of Mind for Blended or Nontraditional Families

A will lets you provide for stepchildren, extended family, or special circumstances that state law might overlook.

Where DIY Wills and Generic Forms Fall Short

  • Forgetting to name alternate guardians or executors, leaving gaps if someone can’t serve.
  • DIY templates can create costly problems for your family
  • Missing key assets like digital accounts or out-of-state property that need specific instructions.
  • Overlooking a “pour-over” clause if you have a trust, risking unfunded assets being handled by the state.
  • Not following Virginia’s witness and notarization rules, which can make a will invalid.
  • Assuming a will avoids probate – it does not. Only by pairing a will with a vehicle for non-probate transfer (such as a trust, transfer on death deed, or other mechanisms) can you ensure your family receives their inheritance without lengthy and expensive court involvement.

How to Get Started—Making Will Preparation Easy

  • Schedule a Free Consultation:
    We’ll talk through your family, assets, and goals—no pressure, just answers.
  • Think About Guardians:
    If you have kids, consider who you’d trust in your absence; Michael can help you weigh options.
  • Gather Key Information:
    List out your main assets and beneficiaries, so nothing is missed in your plan.
  • Review and Revise:
    Unlimited revisions are included while your plan is in process, ensuring your wishes are fully covered.

Ready to Make Your Wishes Official?

The next step is working with a Central Virginia will and trust attorney who handles these decisions every day so you never have to wonder if you did it right.

What to Expect When You Draft a Will With Berdan Law

From your first meeting to the final signing, every detail is explained in plain simple, understandable terms; no jargon, no confusion. We’ll prepare your draft, walk through each section together, and make any needed changes. When you’re ready, sign your will in our office with our in-house notary and witnesses provided. You leave with a fully executed, Virginia-compliant will—and confidence that your wishes are protected.

Will vs. Trust; What’s the Difference?

A will controls who receives your assets and names guardians, but it goes through probate—a court-supervised process. A revocable trust, by contrast, keeps property out of probate and can add privacy or control for certain situations. Some families use both tools together: a will (sometimes called a “pour-over will”) directs any unfunded assets into your trust. Not sure which is right for you? We’ll walk you through the best choice.

Best For Will-Based Plan Trust-Based Plan
Simpler Estates Simpler estates with few beneficiaries, who can inherit all assets immediately, with no restrictions Clients seeking greater control of assets after death, greater flexibility for changes, protection in the event of incapacity, and robust avoidance of probate.
Children Name guardians, assign an executor Provide for minor children long-term, manage complex assets, distribute assets once beneficiary is of age.
Real Estate Owners Relies on transfer-on-death deeds to give property to specific, known beneficiaries upon death. Property is held by trust and can be kept, rented, sold, or distributed according to your instructions.
Privacy A will becomes public record upon your death Trust remains private; details stay within family

  • Do I need a will or a trust?

    That depends on your goals. A will is a basic document, but it still goes through probate. A trust helps avoid probate and gives you more control. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons.

  • What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

    If you die without a will or trust in Oklahoma, state law determines who gets your assets—and the people you care about most might be left out.

  • How often should I update my plan?

    We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 years or whenever there’s a major life change like a birth, death, divorce, or new asset.

  • Is estate planning only for wealthy people?

    Not at all. If you own a home, have children, or simply want to stay in control, estate planning is for you.

  • Do I need a will or a trust?

    That depends on your goals. A will is a basic document, but it still goes through probate. A trust helps avoid probate and gives you more control. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons.

  • What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

    If you die without a will or trust in Oklahoma, state law determines who gets your assets—and the people you care about most might be left out.

  • How often should I update my plan?

    We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 years or whenever there’s a major life change like a birth, death, divorce, or new asset.

  • Is estate planning only for wealthy people?

    Not at all. If you own a home, have children, or simply want to stay in control, estate planning is for you.

  • How long does the whole process take?

    From your first consultation to signed documents, most plans are completed within 4-6 weeks-depending on your pace and preferences.

  • What does the first meeting include?

    It's 60-90 minutes focused on education. You'll learn how wills, trusts, guardianship, and powers of attorney work-then decide what makes sense for your family.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    Yes, we're happy to talk through options. We also work on a flat-fee basis, so you'll always know the cost up front.

  • Can I update my plan later?

    Absolutely. Life changes, and your plan should keep up. We offer annual reviews and update support.

Your Will Questions, Answered Clearly

  • Do I really need a will if I’m young or have a trust?

    Yes—everyone needs a will to name guardians, choose an executor, and handle any assets not placed in a trust.

  • What happens if I die without a will in Virginia?

    State law decides who gets your property and who cares for your children, which might not align with your wishes.

  • How long does it take to draft a will?

    Most wills are completed in just a few meetings. Berdan Law handles everything from drafting to signing, making it quick and comfortable.

  • What’s the cost for will preparation?

    All services are provided on a flat-fee basis, with unlimited revisions and no hourly charges.

  • Who should be my executor or guardian?

    Michael will help you think through your options, weighing reliability, location, and what’s best for your family.

  • Can a will be changed after it is executed?

    A will can be changed after it’s executed, as long as the person who made it is still mentally competent.


    • You can update it by adding a codicil (an amendment), or
    • Create a new will that replaces the old one.

    Just make sure any changes follow legal requirements to be valid.

Trusted by Families Across Central Virginia

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Protect Your Loved Ones With a Clear, Legally Valid Will

You deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your wishes will be honored—without court confusion or family stress. Join families across Central Virginia who trust Berdan Law for friendly, thorough will preparation and personal guidance every step of the way.