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Estate planning deals with important questions involving how one desires and intends to be cared for during their lifetime and the passing on of one’s possessions and legacy to their loved ones when they pass. Planning ahead and facing these questions before incapacity or death takes courage but provides peace of mind and perspective that can enhance quality of life overall. It is pre-planning—“fire insurance” rather than “firefighting.”
I grew up in a military family, and Virginia—especially the Hampton Roads area—is home to the largest naval base in the world. With many military members moving from place to place throughout the years, ensuring that, when they are in Virginia, they have state-specific documents updated to protect them is very important.
I have many military members and retired clients in my area—people from all over the country who have either been stationed here and ended up retiring, or who have found peace in retirement in Williamsburg and its surrounding area.
Clients are looking for a firm that educates, listens, provides personalized care, and sets expectations. Oath meets all of these criteria—ensuring that clients fully understand the benefits of estate planning and the process of getting documents prepared, and providing a unique “small firm” personalized service experience to each client, despite having the resources of a larger firm to ensure their every need is met. Clients know who they will be meeting with and can rely on us to make sure we fully understand their needs.
I prepare state-specific powers of attorney, advance directives, and living wills for my clients to plan in advance for incapacity and ensure my clients are in control of who will be taking care of financial affairs and medical decisions on their behalf (rather than being subjected to a much more expensive court process to appoint a guardian or conservator whom they may not have peace of mind knowing is the right choice). I also ensure that the trusts, wills, pour-over wills, deeds, and other ancillary documents are prepared in a Virginia state-specific manner.
There really isn’t a “longest possible probate” limit. I have personally been involved in probates that have lasted six years or more. Probates can last for an extended period of time due to contests or the complexity of the estate. If beneficiaries are displeased and determined to get “what’s theirs,” and the estate has a significant amount of resources, there is no knowing how long it may last if a contest arises.
I tell the story of being raised in a military family with the expectation that I would one day be an F-18 Top Gun fighter pilot and Naval Academy graduate like my father. However, life threw a curveball at me early on when I was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome at the age of 13. My kidneys failed, and my hearing degraded. I got hearing aids and was on dialysis for about a 6–9 month period before receiving a kidney transplant from a living donor we didn’t know, but who insisted that she was supposed to give me a kidney. This experience changed not only my career trajectory but my outlook on life. In estate planning, we are concerned with not only planning for the expected (death and taxes) but also the unexpected. I have worked multiple jobs in civil litigation, business law, estate planning, and estate litigation prior to joining Oath, but have found that the focus on providing people with peace of mind in regard to the expected and the unexpected, with a focus on estate planning, has been the most fulfilling for me.
I had some clients who were younger and had just had their first child. They set up a trust plan to span generations, with a clear vision of what they hoped to instill in their future legacy.
Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach.
Yes. Some clients would like help to take care of an aging parent with advanced dementia or to receive Medicaid/nursing home planning in attempts to try to protect assets for their loved ones. However, they often do this too late (i.e., after the dementia has progressed to a point requiring expensive court intervention, or when the individual is already in a nursing home and pre-planning cannot be accomplished).
“What is the difference between a trust and a will?” I answer this question in depth by explaining the different processes of getting property to people through a will and a trust, and the risks and benefits associated with each.
Estate planning brings clarity and peace of mind by ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. At Oath Law, our Chesapeake office helps families create personalized estate plans that remove uncertainty and make the future easier to navigate. Whether you're planning for the first time or updating long-standing documents, we make the process simple, supportive, and easy to understand.
A trust is one of the most effective tools for protecting your assets and simplifying estate administration. Oath Law's Chesapeake trust attorneys help you understand the benefits of both revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts, and determine which option best supports your goals.
A revocable living trust gives you flexibility and control, allowing you to update your plan as life changes. An irrevocable trust provides stronger asset protection and long-term structure. Our team explains your options in clear, everyday language and helps you create a trust strategy that supports your family's needs and long-term security.
A will is the foundation of any comprehensive estate plan. It outlines how your property will be distributed, names guardians for minor children, and gives your loved ones clear guidance when it matters most.
At Oath Law, our Chesapeake estate planning lawyers walk you through each step of creating or updating your will. We help you clarify your intentions, choose beneficiaries, and document your wishes in a way that reflects your values and priorities. With a personalized will in place, your family will have the clarity and confidence they need when the time comes.
A Power of Attorney (POA) allows someone you trust to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so. Without a POA, your family may face delays, stress, and court involvement when trying to manage your responsibilities.
Our Chesapeake team helps you choose the right agent, define their authority, and prepare a durable POA that protects your interests. With this essential document in place, you can be confident that your affairs will be handled smoothly and responsibly — no matter what happens.
A healthcare directive, also known as a living will, outlines your medical preferences if you cannot communicate your decisions. These documents guide your care and relieve your loved ones from making uncertain choices during emotionally difficult times.
Oath Law's Chesapeake team helps you think through important decisions such as life support, emergency care, and comfort measures. We assist you in documenting your wishes clearly so your family and medical providers can honor your values with confidence.
Families throughout Chesapeake and the greater Hampton Roads region choose Oath Law for our transparent, supportive, and educational approach to estate planning.
Here's what makes Oath Law different:
Flat-fee pricing — no hourly billing or surprise costs.
No upsells or litigation — estate planning only.
A supportive, educational process designed to empower you.
Exclusive estate-planning-only practice — deep clarity and expertise.
Secure digital access to your documents anytime.
Ongoing support as your life and priorities evolve.
Our Chesapeake estate planning team is dedicated to helping local families build plans that reflect their goals and provide long-term security. We take time to listen, answer questions, and guide you through each decision with patience and clarity. Every document is customized — no templates, no jargon, and no pressure — just thoughtful guidance and true support.
1. What's the difference between a will and a trust? A will takes effect after your passing, while a trust can manage your assets both during your lifetime and beyond.
2. Do I need both a will and a trust? Many Chesapeake families benefit from having both. A trust streamlines asset management, while a will names guardians and covers anything not in the trust.
3. Who should I choose as my Power of Attorney? Select someone trustworthy, responsible, and capable of making financial and legal decisions on your behalf.
4. How often should I update my estate plan? Every few years, or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or new property purchases.
5. What happens if I die without a will? Without a will, state law determines how your assets are distributed — which may not reflect your personal wishes.
6. What is a living will? A living will outlines your medical treatment preferences when you cannot communicate.
7. Should I include digital assets in my estate plan? Yes — online accounts, cloud storage, emails, and social media profiles should all be included.
8. How do I plan for a blended family? A tailored estate plan ensures fairness, clarity, and protection for all spouses and children.
9. What are common estate planning mistakes? Not updating documents, delaying planning, and choosing the wrong decision-makers.
10. How long does estate planning take? Most Chesapeake clients finish their plans within a few weeks, depending on complexity and scheduling.
"The Chesapeake team made the entire process easy and reassuring. I'm grateful for their guidance."
"Clear explanations, no pressure, and truly helpful support at every step."
"Flat-fee pricing gave us total confidence — no surprises or hidden costs."
"They took the time to understand our family's needs and created the perfect plan."
"Professional, patient, and incredibly thorough. Highly recommend Oath Law."
Office Address: Oath Law – Chesapeake Office 638 Independence Parkway, Suite 200 Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone: (757) 555-0877
