Going through probate after a loved one dies is nobody’s favorite chore. After mourning the loss of your parent, sibling, or other family member, the numerous responsibilities can feel downright overwhelming. When there is a question about the validity of your loved one’s Will and, as a result, a legal challenge to the document, the agonizing process can be lengthened by months or years.  The good news—depending on Read More

Dogs are, far and away, the most popular household pet. Around two-thirds of American households own at least one dog. These furry friends come in all shapes and sizes, and the vast majority are well-behaved pooches whose only fault is drooling a little too much on the couch.  The fact remains, though, that dogs retain many of their instincts and behavior from their wild ancestors, which sometimes result in bites or Read More

In the past year, Virginia landlords have had to stay on top of many landlord-tenant law changes. What was originally meant to be temporary eviction relief on the federal level kept getting extended, and substantial changes also came out of a special session in Richmond. Norton Pelt has compiled several important updates that landlords need to know. National Protections for Renters The majority of residential rental Read More

It’s been a little over eight years since Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana. In the last national election cycle, voters in four states approved cannabis legalization. While Virginia has not legalized marijuana, the possession of a small amount was decriminalized on July 1, 2020. Keep reading for more recent developments.  The Law As it Stands Right Now As of late Read More

After the death of someone who either lived in Virginia or had real estate in the Commonwealth, someone close to him or her must begin the probate process. Probate proceedings cover the administration of an estate and, eventually, the distribution of assets and property included in the estate. If your parent, grandparent, or loved one has recently passed away, Norton Pelt extends our heartfelt sympathies. Before you Read More

Most of what we think about when we hear the words “estate planning” is how our property and assets will be distributed after we pass on from this earth. Some of your estate plan, however, needs to address exactly how you want to be medically treated while you are still alive but unable to make decisions or communicate those wishes. For these unique situations, you need to strongly consider making an advance Read More

Estate planning has evolved in the past 5-10 years to necessitate a hard look at one’s digital assets. Early adopters are no longer the only ones with social media profiles and online banking accounts; as you drill down on your estate plan and draft your Last Will and Testament, don’t neglect to make a plan for your online records. We’ll go over the key points Virginians need to address when it comes to plan for Read More

It can be difficult to know what your job as a caregiver means in the eye of the law. If you have a disabled child who is about to turn 18 or you are caring for an adult who has become incapacitated, you may need to obtain legal authority to continue providing for their needs. You may have heard of terms like guardianship and conservatorship, but you may not know what they actually mean. To add to the confusion, the Read More

Seeing the birth of your first child probably resulted in a sudden and substantial maturation on your part. Apart from the baby food, diapers, and putting a roof over your little one’s head, it is also important to find time to draft an estate plan. This plan should, at the very least, contain your Last Will and Testament so your property goes to your intended beneficiaries.  That’s not the principal reason you need Read More

Chaotic situations, like the one the country is going through with the coronavirus pandemic, have a tendency to sharpen everyone’s focus on the things that truly matter to us. An uncomfortable truth COVID-19 has underscored is that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. For those of us with minor children, we know how vital it is to make an estate plan that not only takes care of our assets when we’re gone but, also, makes sure Read More