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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.
What Happens to My Assets if I Die Without a Will?
What Happens to My Assets if I Die Without a Will? If you die without a will in Virginia, Virginia law essentially creates a will for you. This is commonly referred to as intestate succession [read as “where your assets go if you don’t have a will”]. During this process, the Commonwealth will dictate, by law, to whom your assets go upon your death. The urban legend is that without a will, the “state” gets your assets; [...]
What Two Characteristics Should I Look For in a Personal Injury Attorney?
What Two Characteristics Should I Look For in a Personal Injury Attorney? In a personal injury case, you need a strong support team to help you through the detailed process. This might include family, friends, and coworkers, but the foundation of your support team should be an attorney that you trust. Two key characteristics to look for in a good personal injury attorney are experience and compassion. Experience: When searching for a personal injury attorney in an [...]
The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases Personal injury can happen anywhere and at anytime, but cases at CowanGates tend to fall under three categories: vehicular accidents (automobile, trucking, motorcycle), products liability, and premises liability. Automobile accidents typically involve cars, trucks and/or motorcycles. Cases can involve two or more automotive vehicles or a mix of vehicles and non-motor vehicles, such as bikes or pedestrian-auto accidents. Product liability involves injuries sustained from a manufactured product. The responsibility [...]
Three Commonly Asked Questions About Eminent Domain
Three Commonly Asked Questions About Eminent Domain 1. What is Eminent Domain? Eminent Domain is the power possessed by the State Government, ensured by the 5th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, to command ownership over any state property for either state or commercial use. In exchange for seized property the government must pay the property’s former owner “fair value” for the property. 2. What is the process for Eminent Domain? Eminent Domain varies depending on the state [...]
VDOT Muscle: An Eminently Unfair Practice
VDOT muscle: An eminently unfair practice A. Barton Hinkle bhinkle@timesdispatch.com | Posted: Sunday, February 16, 2014 12:00 am Say you buy a car. Drive it around for five years, get plenty of use out of it. Then one day you decide you paid way too much. You really should have paid half what you did. Or even less. So you go back to the dealership and say the car is worth less now, and you want a [...]
Retired Admiral Serves Legal Needs of Richmond Clients
Retired Admiral Serves Legal Needs of Richmond Clients Frank F. Rennie, IV is a senior partner in the Richmond law firm of CowanGates. Mr. Rennie is also a retired Rear Admiral, having served in the U.S. Navy with a distinguished active and reserve career. His naval career spans almost four decades and includes service aboard surface ships and various military staffs around the world. Mr. Rennie is a native Richmonder who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. [...]