Estate Administration Options – Client Summary
At Speedwell Law, we offer two levels of estate administration support so you can choose the level of involvement that works for you.
COUNTIES SERVED: CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, ARLINGTON, FAIRFAX COUNTY, CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY.
DIY Plan
This will be all that you need if you just want to be set down the right path and given the tools for success. The DIY service package includes:
- An initial Attorney Strategy Meeting ($500)
- Paralegal is Point of Contact and provides Qualification Support
- Preparation of Probate Qualification Paperwork
- Delivery of Estate Administration Toolkit post-qualification
- Custom email drip that alerts you to your filing deadlines
- Upon delivery of the Toolkit, the matter is complete (unless you retain for additional services as described below)
- If you need more help after delivery of the Toolkit, our hourly fees apply, or you may elect a service package below
- If you elect the DIY package, SWL will not be listed as “counsel of record” to your estate. SWL will only enter an appearance as counsel of record on your matter if you elect a service option below
Guided Probate
This is a “done with you” service to provide you ongoing, guided support during the estate’s administration
- Fee: 1/3 fiduciary fee, calculated based on Inventory value pursuant to Commissioner of Accounts schedule
- The DIY fees are credited towards the fee
- Includes Estate Planning Toolkit + Ongoing Support
- Paralegal is Point of Contact and can arrange attorney meetings as needed.
- Client handles property sales, beneficiary correspondence, vendor coordination, preparing and submitting court reports, negotiating creditor claims, etc.
- Litigation or contested matters handled by the attorney are billed hourly
White Glove Service Plan
This is a “done for you” service where you can rest easy knowing we are handling everything, but you stay in control of the estate.
- Fee: 1/2 fiduciary fee, calculated based on Inventory value pursuant to the Commissioner of Accounts fiduciary fee schedule
- The DIY Fees are credited towards the fee
- Lead Attorney is your Point of Contact and coordinates all services.
- SWL handles beneficiary correspondence, property sales, vendor coordination, creditor claims, and court reports (Client reviews and approves)
- Litigation or contested matters handled by the attorney are billed hourly
- Minimum estate size: $400k
Our goal is to provide either hands-on guidance or full-service management, depending on your needs. The above terms are not comprehensive, and will be formalized with a Representation Agreement prior to such services being performed.
Speedwell Law Attorney Serving as Personal Representative
In some estates, it may be difficult to identify a Virginia resident who can serve as the personal representative (executor or administrator). This can happen, for example, when all beneficiaries live outside of Virginia or are international citizens. In other situations, the estate may be large but also insolvent, making administration more complex.
In such cases, a Speedwell Law attorney can serve as the personal representative of the estate. Our fees follow the Commissioner of Accounts’ published fee schedule, which applies in Virginia estate administrations.
When Speedwell Law serves in this fiduciary role, please note:
- We act as fiduciaries for the estate as a whole, not as legal representatives of any individual beneficiary. Beneficiaries may retain independent counsel if they choose.
- We are bound by Virginia law and the terms of the will (or intestacy laws, if there is no will). We cannot guarantee outcomes beyond what the law provides.
- A written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be executed with the beneficiaries to clarify our fiduciary role, our responsibilities, and the method of charging fees.
- Any court-required bond premiums are reimbursed from estate assets.
- If the estate requires extraordinary services (such as litigation, complex tax work, or real estate management), we may request court approval for additional fees.
- Speedwell Law is committed to transparency and accountability. All fiduciary services are subject to Commissioner of Accounts oversight.
This option can provide peace of mind and efficiency when there is no obvious Virginia-based individual to serve.
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