By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq.[1] On June 29, 2022, almost three years before Pope Francis died, he took the time to compose his Last Will & Testament. The Vatican Press Office released its transcript the day the Jesuit Pontiff passed, Monday, April 21. 2025[2]. The Pope’s Will is a simple, … [Read more...] about Resting in Peace: What Pope Francis’ Will Teaches Us
The Bonds that Tie
Managing Old-School Savings Bonds of a Decedent…and Why They’re Soulful.[1] By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq.[2] America’s “Silent Generation,” the cohort of WWII’s younger siblings, is defined as those born between 1928 and 1945. And they are reaching longevity horizons, as I type. These fantastic … [Read more...] about The Bonds that Tie
Because I love you, I say “No. No. No.”
Trust Provisions Regarding Substance Abuse Can Empower Families of the Addicted By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq.[1] If you are reading this, there is a 50% chance you adore, or adored, someone who has struggled with addiction.[2] Even if you haven’t watched a family member wage war with themselves, … [Read more...] about Because I love you, I say “No. No. No.”
Respect Your Elders, Protect Your Elders
Guardians & Guardian Ad Litems, in Virginia Incapacity Cases[1] By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq.[2] When families face the steep-grade of an aging matriarch/patriarch, sincere worry about their safety and independence sets-in. Precisely because America’s Greatest Generation worked so hard, lived … [Read more...] about Respect Your Elders, Protect Your Elders
Decline, Declarations & Deductibles: Age-In-Place Considerations Worth Considering
By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq.[1] Oh, for the future we’ve planned! Estate planning, and its animating principle, “elder planning,” is equal parts science, art, and law. Legal documents establish and restate your ownership interest, or the controlling power, in all your assets/choices: the Trust, … [Read more...] about Decline, Declarations & Deductibles: Age-In-Place Considerations Worth Considering
MAJOR CHORDS & MINOR NOTES: Your Young Adult & Durable Power of Attorney
By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq.[1] Age of Majority or Age of Maturity? Among the laws of Virginia, age matters. A young adult’s birthday can impact not only their rights and benefits, but also their duties, obligations and liabilities. For most provisions of Virginia law, eighteen years old marks the … [Read more...] about MAJOR CHORDS & MINOR NOTES: Your Young Adult & Durable Power of Attorney
Until Death Do Us Part….And Then Some….
A Marriage Record is a vital, Vital Record for Estate Administration By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq. “Until death, do us part” is the climactic vow-line, when you get hitched. That famous line, which dates from the 1549 Book of Common Prayer, is as practical as it is axiomatic. When a spouse passes … [Read more...] about Until Death Do Us Part….And Then Some….
E-Teste? Are Digital Signatures the Future for Wills & Trusts?
By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq. Founding father John Hancock, then-President of the Second Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence with his enormous signature (according to American apocrypha) so that it was “large enough to be seen without spectacles!” Our fascination with … [Read more...] about E-Teste? Are Digital Signatures the Future for Wills & Trusts?
Got Snowbird? Power of Attorney Considerations for an Interstate Lifestyle
By Gerarda M. Culipher, Esq.[1] The term “snowbird” is affectionately applied to people who own property in two different states; usually one in the North (often their lifelong, state residency), and one in warmer, southern climates. The COVID-19 Global Pandemic, being the telework-paradigm-shift … [Read more...] about Got Snowbird? Power of Attorney Considerations for an Interstate Lifestyle
“Death Taxes” in the Washington DC Metro Area in 2022
Here is a summary of the current state of Estate Taxes in the DMV region as of January 1, 2022. This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your attorney or CPA regarding your financial situation. Washington DC: Effective for people dying in 2021, DC imposes an estate tax … [Read more...] about “Death Taxes” in the Washington DC Metro Area in 2022
