Our Latest Blog Posts
A more holistic approach to applying legal principles to specific emotional, logistical and financial needs of seniors and their families.
Stop By
Fayetteville
204 N Court St.
Fayetteville, WV 25840
Maps & Directions
Phone: (304) 484-4889
Email
South Charleston
4834 MacCorkle Ave
SW Suite 2
South Charleston, WV 25309
Maps & Directions
How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death in West Virginia?
/by Hewitt Law PLLCThe weeks following the loss of a loved one are a blur of grief, family gatherings, and immediate logistical hurdles. In the midst of planning a memorial and notifying relatives, the legal concept of “probate” often looms in the background, a task many families know they must face but dread starting. Many West Virginians fear […]
How Is a Living Trust Better Than a Will for Avoiding Probate?
/by Hewitt Law PLLCFor many West Virginia families, the concept of “estate planning” often begins and ends with a simple Last Will and Testament. It is the standard, traditional approach: you write down who gets the house, who gets the savings account, and who takes care of the kids. But relying solely on a will often leads to […]
How Do You Contest a Will in West Virginia?
/by Hewitt Law PLLCLosing a family member is one of life’s heaviest burdens. The grief is often compounded when you discover that their last will and testament doesn’t reflect the person you knew or worse, appears to be the product of manipulation or confusion. You might feel a mix of shock and betrayal, wondering if a caregiver whispered […]
What Happens to My Digital Assets When I Die or Become Incapacitated?
/by Hewitt Law PLLCWe live our lives online. From the photos of grandchildren stored on a cloud server to the automated bill payments keeping the lights on, our digital footprint is massive. When West Virginia residents sit down to draft a will, they typically focus on physical property: the family home in Charleston, the hunting cabin in Pocahontas […]
What Are the Rights of Out-of-State Heirs in West Virginia Probate?
/by Hewitt Law PLLCThe passing of a loved one brings a wave of emotional challenges, often followed immediately by legal and logistical hurdles. When you live in another state but stand to inherit property or assets in West Virginia, those hurdles can seem even higher. Distance creates uncertainty. You might worry that living hundreds of miles away puts […]
The Role of Special Needs Trusts in Elder Law Planning in West Virginia
/by Hewitt Law PLLCPlanning for the future becomes significantly more complex when a family member lives with a disability. For many West Virginia families, the greatest fear is not just about who will provide care, but how that care will be funded without jeopardizing the government benefits that the individual relies upon. You might be concerned that leaving […]
The Impact of International Property Ownership on Elder Law Planning in West Virginia
/by Hewitt Law PLLCOwning property in another country is a modern reality for many families. It may be a vacation home purchased for retirement, a rental property for investment, or, increasingly, an inherited family home from parents or grandparents who lived abroad. This piece of a foreign land often represents a deep personal connection, a financial goal achieved, […]
Elder Law Considerations for Senior Entrepreneurs: Protecting Business Assets and Legacy
/by Hewitt Law PLLCMore individuals are starting and managing businesses later in life than ever before. This growing wave of senior entrepreneurship brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. For business owners in West Virginia, building a company represents a lifetime of work, a source of financial stability, and a core part of a family’s legacy. However, […]
Can You Handle Probate Remotely When Your Elderly Parent Lives in West Virginia?
/by Hewitt Law PLLCLosing a parent is never easy, and the logistical challenge of managing an estate from hundreds of miles away can make a difficult time feel overwhelming. If your parent lived in West Virginia but you live in another state, you may be wondering if you can manage their estate without upending your life to travel […]
The Intersection of Elder Law and Bankruptcy: Strategies for Seniors in Financial Distress
/by Hewitt Law PLLCFor many seniors across West Virginia, the golden years can feel less than secure. A lifetime of hard work and careful saving can be quickly threatened by a perfect storm of financial pressures: the ever-increasing cost of healthcare, a fixed income that struggles to keep pace with inflation, and unexpected debts that emerge without warning. […]