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About CowanGates
We’re honored to continuously receive recognition in Virginia and beyond for our amazing legal team. Over the years, CowanGates has been awarded by notable companies such as Virginia Lawyers Weekly, U.S. News & World Report, Best Lawyers, American Institute of Legal Counsel, Super Lawyers, and many others. As experienced attorneys with a shared passion for practicing law, we’re constantly striving for excellence by staying up-to-date with the latest industry insights and trends. To serve our community, we also create monthly blog articles on important topics to share with our clients.
As always, if you want to learn more about our services, please call us today at 804-320-9100 or contact us online.
Who Will Care For My Child If I Die?
WHO WILL CARE FOR MY CHILD IF I DIE? In Virginia, if you die before establishing guardianship for your child, the court may decide who will care for your child. By definition, a guardian is an individual who has the legal authority to care for the personal and property interests of another person — including a minor child. In Virginia, as the parent, you may designate a guardian who may care for your child (and, if so [...]
When Should I Create an Estate Plan?
WHEN SHOULD I CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN? If you are thinking about creating an estate plan in Virginia, it’s best to hire a knowledgeable estate planning attorney to draft the proper documents on your behalf. Simply put, the sooner you act, the sooner you can relax. As you navigate through life, ultimately there will be uncertainties you will face, but it is best to have a plan that states how and to whom your assets will be [...]
When Do You Need A Real Estate Attorney?
WHEN DO YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY? If you are closing on a new home in Virginia, it's best to hire a real estate attorney to help review the contract and assist in the closing process. The short, honest answer to the question posed by the title of this article is, “always.” A more specific and conservative answer is, “the sooner the better, but definitely before you sign the real estate contract.” For most of us, [...]
4 Disadvantages of Dying Without a Will in Virginia
4 DISADVANTAGES OF DYING WITHOUT A WILL IN VIRGINIA If you die without a will in Virginia, the law may decide who receives your assets. Planning for the future is not always enjoyable, but it is important to ensure your assets pass to the beneficiaries you desire and in the manner you desire—providing you peace of mind. At CowanGates, our experienced estate planning attorneys help our clients develop a personalized estate plan based on their desires. After [...]
Benefits of the Collaborative Divorce Process
BENEFITS OF THE COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE PROCESS If Peaceful Resolution is Your Goal, Don’t Litigate. Collaborate. The notion of a total stranger sitting in a courtroom and making life-altering decisions about one’s finances, property ownership, and even the time one can spend with his or her children after receiving just a few hours’ worth of information quite naturally creates a great deal of anxiety for family law clients. Added to the stress caused by the uncertainty of “what [...]
Surviving an Accident
Surviving an Accident By Neil Cowan Chances are good that you or someone you know will be involved in an automobile accident. Are you prepared? Would you know what to do at the accident scene? How about after the accident? What about your injuries and property damages? What about the other parties' injuries? Is your insurance coverage adequate? Most people meet this type of situation unprepared, leaving them helpless and confused. A split second mishap can catapult [...]