Estate Tax Lawyer Chesterfield County, VA

Q: Does Virginia impose a state estate tax?

No, Virginia does not have a state‑level estate tax. The Virginia estate tax was repealed effective for decedents dying on or after July 1, 2007. As a result, Chesterfield County residents who are subject to federal estate tax need only address the federal liability; there is no separate Virginia filing or payment obligation. This repeal simplifies planning significantly and allows families to focus on the federal rules administered by the Internal Revenue Service.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients throughout Chesterfield County, Virginia, in estate tax and trust‑planning matters. Our firm assists individuals and families with navigating the federal estate tax system, addressing lifetime gifting strategies, and structuring trusts to accomplish tax‑efficient wealth transfer. Because Virginia imposes no separate state estate tax, planning focuses on the federal tax framework, including the elevated applicable exclusion amount — $15,000,000 per individual for 2026, a permanent floor established by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119‑21). Whether you are creating a trust, administering an estate through the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, or evaluating whether your estate may owe federal estate tax, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can help. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

What Trust and Estate Means in Chesterfield County, Virginia

In Chesterfield County, trust and estate law encompasses the preparation of wills, the creation and administration of trusts, probate proceedings, and tax planning aimed at minimizing the impact of federal estate and gift taxes. Because Virginia repealed its state‑level estate tax more than a decade ago, residents of Midlothian, Chester, Bon Air, Brandermill, and the surrounding communities need consider only the federal tax regime. The fiduciary, probate, and trust‑litigation matters that arise are handled in the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, located at 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. That court has exclusive jurisdiction over probate of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and trust disputes.

Virginia’s Uniform Trust Code (Va. Code § 64.2‑700 et seq.) and the Virginia Wills Act (§ 64.2‑400 et seq.) supply the statutory framework. The state also provides a small estate affidavit procedure for estates valued at or less — a threshold raised by a 2025 amendment — allowing qualifying estates to bypass formal probate. For larger estates, probate may be necessary, and the process unfolds in the Circuit Court under the supervision of the Clerk of Court and, when required, a commissioner of accounts. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the local procedures and the expectations of the Chesterfield County probate bench.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Trust and Estate Cases

Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. take a practical approach to trust and estate planning. The process begins with a discussion of the client’s goals — whether preserving assets for a surviving spouse, funding a special needs trust, structuring a charitable remainder trust, or ensuring that a family business passes to the next generation without unnecessary tax friction. The attorneys then evaluate the federal estate tax implications, considering the current applicable exclusion amount and the potential use of portability elections for married couples. For clients whose estates may approach or exceed the exclusion, the firm discusses strategies such as lifetime gifting, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and grantor retained annuity trusts.

When a family member passes, the firm handles probate administration — filing the will with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, guiding executors through the inventory and accounting requirements, and interfacing with the commissioner of accounts. In contested matters, such as will contests or breach‑of‑fiduciary‑duty claims, the firm represents personal representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries. Throughout, the emphasis remains on resolving disputes efficiently while protecting the client’s interests under the applicable statutes and the terms of the governing instrument. Federal estate tax returns, when required, are prepared and filed within the statutory deadline of nine months after the decedent’s death (26 U.S.C. § 6075), with options for extensions where warranted.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he has built a multi‑state practice that emphasizes careful analysis of statutory frameworks — a skill that translates directly to the technical demands of estate tax planning. He leads the firm’s trust and estate practice, bringing to each matter a disciplined, detail‑oriented approach shaped by decades of courtroom and transactional experience.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive collective experience in trust administration, fiduciary litigation, and tax‑sensitive estate design. Together, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys work with clients to craft plans that reflect their specific family and financial circumstances, always within the boundaries of current federal and Virginia law. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2026?

The federal estate tax applicable exclusion amount for decedents dying in 2026 is $15,000,000 per individual. This figure was made permanent by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119‑21), which eliminated the scheduled sunset of the previous higher exemption. Married couples can effectively shield up to $30,000,000 through portability of the unused exclusion of the first spouse to die. Gifts made during life reduce the available exclusion at death, so lifetime planning remains important even with a higher exemption.

Does Virginia impose a state estate tax?

No, Virginia does not have a state‑level estate tax. The Virginia estate tax was repealed effective for decedents dying on or after July 1, 2007. As a result, Chesterfield County residents who are subject to federal estate tax need only address the federal liability; there is no separate Virginia filing or payment obligation. This repeal simplifies planning significantly and allows families to focus on the federal rules administered by the Internal Revenue Service.

How does probate work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?

Probate in Chesterfield County is handled by the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at 9500 Courthouse Road. When a decedent leaves a will, the executor named in the will must offer it for probate. If there is no will, an administrator is appointed under Virginia’s intestacy laws. The personal representative then takes an oath, posts any required bond, and files an inventory of the estate’s assets. Creditor claims may be presented within one year of qualification. The personal representative must account to the commissioner of accounts before the estate can be closed.

Do I need an estate tax lawyer in Chesterfield County?

You are not required to hire a lawyer to prepare a federal estate tax return or to administer an estate, but most personal representatives find that the technical requirements make experienced legal assistance crucial. An attorney can identify available deductions and elections, coordinate asset valuations, file the necessary returns on time, and represent the estate if the IRS audits the return. For estates that may be subject to the federal estate tax, working with counsel early can prevent costly mistakes. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.

What is the small estate affidavit procedure in Virginia?

Virginia allows a small estate affidavit to be used when the total value of the decedent’s probate assets does not exceed . This threshold was increased by a 2025 statutory amendment. The person entitled to receive the assets may prepare an affidavit and present it to the institution holding the property, such as a bank, without opening a formal probate proceeding. An attorney can confirm whether the estate qualifies and assist with the preparation of the affidavit to avoid delays or rejections by financial institutions.

How can I find an estate tax lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?

Start by calling (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation with Mr. Sris or the Of Counsel attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. During the consultation, you can discuss your estate planning goals, the size and composition of your estate, and any specific concerns such as business succession or charitable giving. The firm serves clients throughout Chesterfield County, including Midlothian, Chester, Bon Air, and surrounding communities, and is familiar with the local courts and probate procedures.

Primary Legal Resources
Virginia Code Title 64.2 – Wills, Trusts and Fiduciaries — Virginia Judicial System — 26 U.S.C. § 2010 – Unified Credit Against Estate Tax

Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney‑client relationship is created by reading this page. For advice about your specific situation, contact a qualified attorney.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.