Estate And Trust Planning

Comprehensive Estate Planning by the People Who Wrote the Book

Who better to prepare your traditional estate planning documents than the firm that is nationally known for its work on behalf of those who want to retire with dignity and independence? Firm Founder, Rory Clark, Esq., literally wrote the book, The Family Estate Planning and Elder Law Guide (2019). Not every client needs sophisticated long-term care or tax planning, but this does not mean that all estate planning lawyers are the same. Our planning professionals have the legal and personal experience to handle your more traditional estate planning matters and deliver a “cut-above” product. Our “Fundamentals” and “Family” planning levels, in particular, are created from an elder law perspective because we know that sometimes the unexpected happens and having the right kind of tools available can make all the difference in an emergency. All of our estate planning packages are provided on a fixed-price and economical basis.

The BASICS Plan

The BASICS planning level is designed for those who are budget conscious but know they need to have something in place in case of an emergency. With the Legacy Elder Law Center’s BASICS plan, you can appoint guardians for minor children and specify who you want to handle your affairs in the event of your death. The BASICS includes more than planning for your death. It includes basic emergency life planning as well. Be confident that emergencies will be handled by those you trust by naming agents to make healthcare decisions in the event you are not able to handle your medical affairs and manage your financial matters. The BASICS may be perfect for the new homeowner or the young family. We offer separate pricing for single and married clients.

Our BASICS Plan Includes:

Advance Medical Directive and Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney with HIPPA Authorizations
Simple Durable General Financial Power of Attorney
Last Will and Testament

The FUNDAMENTALS Plan

The FUNDAMENTALS planning level is designed for those who want to avoid probate and make it is as easy as possible for those they choose to easily and conveniently handle their affairs in the event of a disability. At this planning level, Legacy Elder Law Center clients can rest assured that no court intervention will be necessary to appoint a guardian or conservator for them. Their most-trusted family members or friends will be able to directly and immediately help with financial and medical decisions, if required. The FUNDAMENTALS plan takes care of guardians and trusts for minors and makes the cumbersome and expensive probate process unnecessary.

Our FUNDAMENTALS Plan Includes:

Enhanced Advance Medical Directive and Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney with HIPPA Authorizations
Enhanced Durable General Financial Power of Attorney
Probate-Avoiding Revocable Living Trust
Last Will and Testament
Retitling Assistance
All Necessary Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. Deeds
One-Year Membership in Our Concierge Care Plan

The FAMILY Plan

For the serious traditional planners, our FAMILY Plan not only provides a comprehensive estate plan with guardianship and probate avoidance, this plan creates a legacy of responsibility and protection not just for the current generation but for your descendants as well. Our FAMILY Plan allows you to safeguard your heirs’ inheritances from divorce, creditors, and addiction as well as confidently plan for those who may have special needs.

Our FAMILY Plan Includes:

Enhanced Advance Medical Directive and Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney with HIPPA Authorizations
Enhanced Durable General Financial Power of Attorney
An Enhanced, Probate-Avoiding Revocable Living Trust designed to protect the assets you leave to your beneficiaries from the divorce court, their creditors, and from possible addiction. This trust also contains provisions to protect inheritances that would go to beneficiaries with Special Needs so as not to interfere with their own valuable income and healthcare benefits.
Last Will and Testament
Retitling Assistance
All Necessary Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. Deeds
One-Year Membership in Our Concierge Care Plan

Emergency Guardianship Planning

Clients may add our Emergency Guardianship Plan to any level of service for a fixed price of $500. The Emergency Guardianship Plan is designed to instantaneously protect your children from custody by child protective services and/or the foster care system in the event of an emergency or sudden death. Our proprietary temporary and emergency designation is drafted to comply with statutory requirements. It becomes immediately effective and covers your children until the court can appoint a suitable temporary or permanent guardian.

Emergency Guardianship Planning Includes:

Our Proprietary, Multi-State Temporary and Emergency Guardianship Designation

“They help good people through difficult times…”

Online Reviews

Legacy Elder Law Center

4.7

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Vicki Hunter

I had an extraordinarily good experience working with Legacy Elder Law Center. Odalis Aviles handled the Medicaid application process for my brother-in-law. I was so nervous about the whole thing. Odalis walked me through the entire process. She was always calm and encouraging. She taught me patience! She had such a positive influence on me. I would recommend the Legacy Elder Law Center to everyone. You can trust them because they know what they are doing. They care and have your best interest at heart. They are the real deal. Thank you Odalis.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words and heartfelt recommendation! We're thrilled to hear that Odalis was able to guide you through the Medicaid application process with care, compassion, and expertise. Your trust means everything to us, and we're so glad we could help ease your worries during such an important time. We'll be sure to share your appreciation with Odalis! Thank you again for choosing Legacy Elder Law Center!

Kerry “KK” Riley

Liz was amazing and full of knowledge about medicaid!! The entire experience was fantastic. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to leave us this positive review. Liz knows her stuff!

devin sholty

Eliz was great, very informative, knowledgeable, and helpful to get us started down the path to assist in building us a protection plan for the future.

Response from the owner: Thank you taking the time to leave us this review, we are pleased that Eliz was helpful, knowledgeable and informative.

Amanda Lewis

My experience with Emily during my free 30-minute consultation was very helpful and informative. I reside outside of the state where our estate matters were handled. After speaking with Emily, I felt more comfortable with understanding communication that should be provided to beneficiaries, options on how to proceed with my concerns, and specific language pertaining to the Will. Thank you so much for providing excellent legal information. I can have a good night's sleep and my anxiety around these issues have been greatly reduced after our meeting. Should I need representation in the future, Emily will be my first call.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. We're so glad to hear that your consultation with Emily brought you clarity and peace of mind during what can be a stressful time—especially when handling matters from out of state. We’re proud to have Emily on our team and will be here for you if you ever need support in the future. Wishing you continued peace and confidence moving forward!

lee ray

Liz was very knowledgeable about the services provided by Elder Law Center. She was very patient and explain the process in depth.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind review, Lee! We're thrilled to hear that Liz was able to provide you with clear, in-depth guidance and that her patience made the experience a positive one. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and are glad we could help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything further!

Mia Katzenberger

Emily was incredibly friendly, efficient, and highly knowledgeable. After our consultation, I felt clear and confident about the next steps to take. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone seeking expert guidance. Thank you!

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Emily was able to provide the clarity and confidence you needed. We take pride in making sure our clients feel supported and well-informed every step of the way. Thank you for trusting us, and for recommending our firm!

Christina Tretter-Herriger

I'm an attorney from a different state with some clients who need a small, straightforward, administrative probate matter resolved in Loudon County. I'm not licensed in VA to do this for them so I called this firm to inquire if they had availability to take it on and at what fee - literally just trying to get them to name their price and hand them an easy lift. The run around that I got from their gatekeeper/receptionist -coupled with the demand that I provide all of my clients' confidential information (!)- before they would even schedule a consult (earliest available: a week out, for the world's most straightforward question...) was quite frankly astonishing, and quickly made clear that our ideas of acceptable service to our clients do not align. I guess I will just refer my pleasant, responsive, and happily paying clients who just want an uncomplicated matter resolved with as little fuss as possible, somewhere else.

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, Christina. We’re sorry to hear that your experience with our intake process was frustrating. While we always aim to be helpful—especially to fellow professionals—we are ethically bound to speak directly with the individual who may become our client before we can share specifics, including pricing or legal recommendations. This is required to protect client confidentiality.We appreciate that you were trying to do the legwork for your clients, and we recognize that our process may have felt like an unnecessary barrier in this case. Your comments are being shared internally so we can continue improving the way we communicate these requirements more clearly and respectfully in the future.We wish you and your clients the very best in resolving their matter.

Emes747

It was a warm and a blessed consultation, highly appreciated..Emily is very good in answering all my questions, Superb.Thanks a lot

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your consultation with Emily was a positive experience. She truly cares about helping people understand their options and always takes the time to answer questions with care and clarity. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!

Dan Hodge

Rory always been good to me he took me on afer my mother passed away and he set me up with a trust account for that i'm i'm greatful

Response from the owner: Thank you, Dan! We truly appreciate your kind words and continued trust. Rory and the rest of our team are always here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else we can do for you!

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Memberships & Associations

Legacy Elder Law Center’s ability to listen to you, map out a financial strategy and follow through with expert planning and advocacy is invaluable in securing your family’s financial future no matter what event comes along down the road.

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Kristy Howell

Was very helpful and knowledgeable and gave me alot of good advice on how to handle my father's estate and I was very happy with the help I received through just one phone call

Cynthia Slocum

Phil Villarreal

roger velez

Very professionals and knowledgeable of the process of trust, wills and probates. Once the required information was delivered the process was fast, efficient and a happy outcome. Recommend them for your needs on these matters.

Brian Burns

We received great advice on planning for the future and protecting assets by setting up a trust, will, and AMD. Loved working with Rory, Kathy and the whole team.

Danielle Lavoie

Alexis Guirand

Emily Wanchisn has been very helpful. I appreciate her time & directions on how I should proceed with my probate issues. I will follow through & keep her informed on the outcome so she can direct or redirect me accordingly. I am grateful for her legal knowledge. The Legal Elder Law Center is recommended to all requiring this type of assistance.

reginald melvin

Extremely professional and knowledgeable! Listened to my needs and provided very efficient and effective counsel!!!

Carlton Conley

My consultation with Emily was very pleasant and informative. We look forward to working with her.

Tricia Devlin

Needed some questions about probate answered. Emily was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and kind with my situation over the phone. (Wow, I didn't even have to drive into town for a free consult) Don't hesitate to use their practice if you need this type of information. I know this is Emily's job, but she made me feel confident to proceed with my actions and if I could I would give her more than five stars for how she spoke and treated me. Excellent experience. Thank you Emily!

Tamara Fleming

I appreciate the support you all provided me after losing my mother, in January 2024. Your team gave the information that allowed for me to make a difficult decision based on what was in my best interest. You all were even kind of enough refund my retainer fee. Grateful for your service.- Douglas Fleming

Julie

I have an awesome consultation! So much valuable information for deciding on what’s needed to protect my mother from wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Adrienne M

Very informative and professional

Marie Bailey

Emily, was very helpful to me and took the time, to explain the path that I needed to take, in order to move ahead, with my issue. She gave me, some much needed, peace of mind. Thanks again.

Rosemarie Thomas

V B

We were very fortunate to have Legacy Elder Law Center assist us with the many issues that arose regarding my brother's death and the sale of his home. The staff is excellent and communicated with us every step of the way and answered our many questions. They are amazing and made a very difficult situation so much easier and manageable. We wish to thank the staff of Legacy Elder Law Center, with special thanks to Steve Bingham and Tyler Sitzlar.

Lauren Penman-Garcia

Very helpful, knowledgeable and professional.

nell fagan

This consultation was very informative and helpful. I look forward to working with your group! I'll be in touch to set up an appointment.

Chris Johnson

Emily was very helpful and informative. She took a huge weight off my shoulders.

Lisa Freire

This team has done nothing but work to help me. They have been confidantes, therapists, and obviously legal experts. They have taken a potentially disastrous situation and turned it around in a flash and explained all of my options at each stage of the process. I could not be happier with their work. We're not done yet and there are still some hurdles to jump but without them I really would be up the creek without a paddle.Thank you Leann, Rachael, Eliz, Rory and the rest for your patience, expertise, and kindness. Worth every penny.

Vadim P.

Paul T. Leidy

Lloyd Calderon

Excellent info; listened well to needs and concerns. Knowledgeable and respectful with a dose of empathy.

Robert Keller

They were very accommodating and pleasant. Highly recommend.

Rosalie Wallace

EMILY WAS TRULY VERY HELPFUL ON TIME PHONE CONSULTATION I AM GOING TO HIRE THEM FOR I BELIEVE THEY WILL BE FOR MY BEST INTERESTS LOOK AY THEIR REVIEWS VERY REMARKABLE

Dawn

Emily listened, she is extremely knowledgeable. She explained things clearly, answered all of my questions and provided me with information that I needed that I didn’t think of.

Samuel Krislov

The Legacy Elder Law Center is just what we have been looking for: a place where people genuinely serve those who are elderly and protect them from the vagaries of old age and worry. Judy and i are both at ease as we go through the process of securing our needs and those of our loved ones. We recommend them highly. Their work is invaluable.

Stephen A. Vaughan

Awesome Service

Ashley Butler

I am highly impressed with the professionalism, urgency, and hard work that Rory, Liz, Chandler & others in this office displayed. I needed the appropriate documents filed to support my father in his estate and end of life planning. The package they offer provided all the documents he needed in a fast and urgent timeline. I was met with hugs and warmth as I worked with them closely to make sure everything was precise and correct.I would highly recommend their services no matter what your age is. Having all of the documents you need through out your life so your loved ones always know your wishes. If you are looking for the best, I highly encourage you work with them. I am blessed to have worked with them & Liz is absolutely amazing!Down to earth but professional to make sure you are always comfortable and understand the process.

Edwin Allen

We greatly appreciate the assistance provided Liz with our elder care challenge. She responded quickly and provided excellent advice. Thank you!

Pauleen

Charles Price II

yo! these people are awesome! and Eliz is the best. Talk about being thorough, communicative, and wanting to put you in the best situation based upon where you are and where you are looking to go. I've been recommending them around to all my friends because I know how important this stuff is. And for them to offer the comprehensive help they do and aid to ensure you understand is well worth it!

Pamela Finster

It has been my pleasure to know and work with Attorney RoryClark and the staff of The Legacy Elder Law Center for the past six years. They have assisted me with the complexity of helping my parents create their irrevocable trust. With Rory's expertise and guidance, the entire family feels that our parents' financial future is secure. My thanks to all for making this experience so easy and allaying our fears.

Vita Russotto

Ms. Elizabeth Clark was a pleasure to speak with. She made me feel like I Was right at home. I look forward to working with her.

robin boniface

Very good meeting! Rory handled all the questions my son had and was very patient. We are excited to execute the plan!

Ashley Funk

Legacy Law was incredible and I look forward to working with them in the future!

Karen Tid

Emily is super and upbeat. I told of her the very hard issues of foreclosure and she gave me an assurance that it could be stopped. Since there is no money available until the 1st, she recommended a Free source. I called that number but unlike Legacy Elder Law Center, those phones aren't manned and no one ever called back.It's refreshing to have an upfront legal team who explained cost upfront. I recommend them highly. Your questions, calls, answers, and upfront expense are important and she addressed them quickly and amicably without judgement. Additionally called a day ahead of what I expected. She was sharp, fresh, and ready to go.Give them a call and trust their knowledge because I'd already done some research and she was spot on about the fees and their fee is fair. Great team!

Captain Tightpants

Very helpful and informative. Excellent and friendly staff as well!