Wills and Trusts Lawyer Chesterfield County, VA

Estate planning is a forward-looking process that helps you protect your assets, care for your loved ones, and make your wishes known. In Chesterfield County, Virginia, the local Circuit Court at 9500 Courthouse Road oversees probate and trust administration, and your documents must align with Virginia’s statutory requirements under the Virginia Uniform Trust Code and the Virginia Wills Act. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, assists clients throughout Chesterfield County—including Midlothian, Chester, Bon Air, Brandermill, Moseley, and the surrounding communities—with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and estate administration. Whether you are creating a first will, exploring revocable living trusts to avoid probate, or need guidance settling a loved one’s estate, experienced legal counsel can help ensure your plan meets all formalities and achieves your goals. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

What Trust and Estate Planning Means in Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County estate planning operates within Virginia’s statutory framework, primarily codified in Title 64.2 of the Code of Virginia. The Chesterfield County Circuit Court, located within the Twelfth Judicial District, handles probate of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and disputes involving trusts or estates. The Clerk of Circuit Court plays a significant administrative role in the probate process, and the court applies the Virginia Uniform Trust Code (Va. Code § 64.2‑700 et seq.) and the Virginia Wills Act (§ 64.2‑400 et seq.).

Virginia does not impose a state-level estate tax, which simplifies planning for many residents. At the federal level, the estate tax exemption is substantial. As of 2026, the federal basic exclusion amount is $15,000,000 per individual under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119‑21), indexed annually for inflation thereafter. This means the vast majority of Chesterfield County estates will not owe federal estate tax. Nonetheless, a well-structured estate plan remains essential to avoid intestacy, manage the distribution of personal and real property, and provide for minor children or dependents. In the absence of a valid will, Virginia’s intestacy laws determine who receives your assets, which may not reflect your personal wishes.

The federal estate tax basic exclusion amount for 2026 is $15,000,000 per individual, made permanent and indexed annually for inflation under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act.

Source: 26 U.S.C. § 2010(c)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 119‑21. 26 U.S.C. § 2010

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

How the Firm Handles Wills and Trusts Matters in Chesterfield County

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with Chesterfield County clients to create customized estate plans that reflect individual goals, family dynamics, and financial circumstances. The process typically begins with a consultation to understand your objectives—whether that is transferring a family business, protecting assets for a special-needs beneficiary, minimizing administrative burdens, or simply ensuring a smooth transfer to heirs.

After gathering the necessary information, the firm drafts the core estate‑planning documents. For many clients, this includes a last will and testament, a durable general power of attorney, and an advance medical directive. When appropriate, revocable living trusts or irrevocable trusts may be recommended to address probate avoidance, asset protection, or tax planning. Each document is prepared in conformity with Virginia law and tailored to the client’s specific situation. If probate becomes necessary after a death, the firm assists executors and administrators with the required filings in the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, including the qualification of the personal representative, preparation of the inventory, and management of creditor claims. Throughout the process, the focus remains on achieving a legally sound and practical outcome that carries out the client’s intent.

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

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and serves as its Owner and Founder. A former prosecutor, he brings a disciplined attention to detail and a practical understanding of the legal system to trust and estate matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collectively contribute experience across a range of practice areas. While every client relationship is with the firm itself, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collaborate to address the drafting, tax, and administrative issues that can arise in modern estate planning. The firm’s Richmond location, at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, is available by appointment to serve clients in Chesterfield County and throughout central Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need an estate plan in Chesterfield County, VA?

Without an estate plan, Virginia’s intestacy laws control how your assets are distributed. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., drafts wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that comply with the Virginia Uniform Trust Code and the Virginia Wills Act. The Chesterfield County Circuit Court administers probate, and having a properly executed plan can streamline the process for your family. To discuss your estate planning needs, call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will takes effect only upon your death and must go through probate, while a properly funded trust can manage assets during your lifetime, at incapacity, and after death—often without court involvement. In Chesterfield County, a will is probated in the Circuit Court; a trust is administered privately according to its terms. Many people use both a will and a trust as part of a comprehensive estate plan.

How does probate work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?

Probate is the court‑supervised process of validating a will, appointing a personal representative, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. In Chesterfield County, the will is filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The executor must file an inventory within four months of qualification, and creditors generally have one year to present claims. The process varies in length based on the estate’s complexity and whether any disputes arise. An experienced attorney can guide executors through these steps to reduce delays and potential liability.

Can I avoid probate in Virginia?

Yes, many assets can be structured to pass outside of probate. Common probate‑avoidance tools include revocable living trusts, payable‑on‑death designations, joint ownership with right of survivorship, and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance. A lawyer can review your assets and help you decide which strategies fit your situation and your goals, potentially saving your family time and expense.

What is an advance medical directive, and do I need one?

An advance medical directive lets you state your healthcare preferences and appoint an agent to make medical decisions if you become unable to do so. Under Virginia law, this document typically combines a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. It is a valuable part of any estate plan, especially for individuals who want to ensure their treatment wishes are honored and to spare family members from making difficult decisions without guidance.

Do I need a lawyer to create an estate plan in Chesterfield County?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but experienced legal guidance helps ensure your documents are valid under Virginia law and truly accomplish your intentions. Common pitfalls of do‑it‑yourself estate plans include improper execution, contradictory provisions, and failure to address state‑specific requirements. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can prepare tailored documents that fit your situation. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

For additional information, consult these official Virginia resources:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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