The holidays bring Springfield and Fairfax County families together—an ideal moment to open warm, practical conversations about estate planning. At Madigan & Scott in Springfield, VA, we see how a few candid questions can prevent confusion, protect heirlooms, and keep Virginia paperwork (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives) current and easy to find.
Questions Adult Children Can Ask Parents
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Do you have a current Virginia will or revocable living trust? If not, what’s the plan?
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Who are your agents for financial and medical decisions, and who is the backup?
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What are your wishes for medical care and end-of-life decisions (advance medical directive)?
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Where are important documents stored—will, trust, deeds, insurance, passwords, digital assets?
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Which heirlooms or traditions should we preserve, and what stories should we record?
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Are your chosen executor, trustee, and agents still the right fit?
Questions Parents Can Ask Adult Children
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Do you know how to access our documents if there’s an emergency?
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Do you have your own will, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations?
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If you received an inheritance, who would guide you—attorney, financial planner, CPA?
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Which keepsakes or traditions matter most to you so we can document preferences?
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If you needed to help us—financially or medically—what resources or authority would you need?
How to Start the Talk (Gently)
Choose a comfortable moment—after a shared meal, on a walk, or during a quiet afternoon. Keep the focus on care, clarity, and reducing future stress. Take simple notes, list who holds what role, and identify any gaps (missing backups, outdated beneficiaries, out-of-state documents, or unclear storage).
Next Steps for Virginia Families
• Confirm beneficiaries on life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death designations
• Review guardianship wishes for minor children and pet care instructions
• Centralize originals and share access instructions with fiduciaries
• Consider a living trust for smoother transfers and privacy
• Schedule a quick review every 3–5 years or after major life events
Ready to turn conversation into peace of mind? Madigan & Scott offers wills, trusts (including special needs), powers of attorney, advance medical directives, probate, and estate administration—tailored to Northern Virginia and military families near Fort Belvoir. Schedule a consultation in Springfield: (703) 775-1678 or www.madiganandscott.com.