Craig P. Tiller, Esq.

08/25/2026

Sending your 18-year-old off to college comes with a lot of preparation—dorm supplies, class schedules, meal plans, and probably a few last-minute reminders.

But there's another change that can be easy to overlook: at 18, your child is legally an adult.

If they become seriously ill or are unable to make decisions for themselves, parents may not automatically have the authority they had when their child was a minor. An Advance Medical Directive and Power of Attorney can help ensure your student has designated who they want to make certain medical, financial, or legal decisions on their behalf if needed.

It may not be the first thing on your back-to-school checklist, but it's worth having the conversation before they leave home.

08/20/2026

When someone can no longer manage their own financial or legal affairs, a family member or friend isn't always the right person to step in.

A professional fiduciary may be appointed to manage an estate, trust, or other financial responsibilities when an impartial, experienced person is needed.

For families, having a professional fiduciary can provide an added level of experience, accountability, and objectivity during what can already be a complicated or emotional time.

08/12/2026

Meeting with an attorney doesn't have to be intimidating.

Here are a few things to bring to help make your first meeting productive: relevant contracts and documents, important dates, names/contact information, financial information, previous legal documents, and a list of questions.

Get in touch with Tiller Law today!

08/06/2026

August is National Make-A-Will Month—a reminder that one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones is a plan.

A will helps ensure your wishes are carried out, provides guidance for your family, and can make an already difficult time a little less overwhelming. No matter your age or the size of your estate, having a will is an important part of planning for the future.

If it's something you've been meaning to do, there's no better time than now.

08/04/2026

Proper estate planning keeps pets out of crowded animal shelters.

See how simple pet trusts work.

07/26/2026

This Parents’ Day, Protect What Matters Most

Being a parent means planning for the future— no matter how old your children are. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, raising teenagers, sending kids off to college, or enjoying life as a grandparent, having an estate plan in place can provide peace of mind for the people you love most.

A few important documents to consider include: a will, guardianship designations for minor children, powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives, and regular updates to beneficiaries and estate documents as life changes.

This Parents’ Day, take a moment to think about the legacy you’re building and the peace of mind a thoughtful plan can provide.

07/21/2026

Vehicle theft remains a concern in communities across the country—but a few simple precautions can go a long way toward protecting your vehicle.
Here are a few ways to reduce your risk:
• Always lock your doors and close your windows—even if you’re only away for a minute.
• Park in well-lit, highly visible areas whenever possible.
• Never leave keys, wallets, electronics, or other valuables in plain sight.
• Consider using anti-theft devices such as a steering wheel lock or vehicle tracking system.
• Avoid leaving your key fob inside or too close to your vehicle, especially if it has keyless entry.
• Keep your vehicle information—including your VIN and license plate number—in a secure location.

What to do if your vehicle is stolen:
Report the theft to local law enforcement immediately, then contact your insurance company to begin the claims process. Be prepared to provide your vehicle’s make, model, year, color, license plate number, VIN, and the location where it was last seen. Acting quickly can improve the chances of recovering your vehicle and help streamline your insurance claim.

A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow.

07/15/2026

July is National UV Safety Month
For many Virginians, working outdoors is part of the job—but prolonged sun exposure can take a serious toll on your health.

Protect yourself by:
• Wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapplying throughout the day.
• Wearing protective clothing—like a hat or UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade when possible.
• Planning strenuous work for cooler parts of the day whenever you can.
Long hours in the sun can lead to heat-related illness, eye damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer over time.

If you experience a work-related illness or injury due to outdoor conditions, you may be entitled to benefits under Virginia’s workers’ compensation system. Knowing your rights is just as important as taking steps to protect your health.

07/07/2026

Were You Involved in an Accident Over the Holiday Weekend? Here’s What to Do Next.

• Seek medical attention if you haven’t already. Some injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not become apparent until hours or even days later.
• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and keep a record of all communications.
• Save everything. Keep copies of the police report, medical records, repair estimates, receipts, and photos related to the accident.
• Be mindful of what you share online. Photos or comments about the accident or your injuries could be used out of context during the claims process.
• Know your rights. If you’ve been injured or are facing challenges with an insurance claim, understanding your legal options can help you make informed decisions.

The days after an accident can be stressful, but taking these steps now can help protect your health, preserve important documentation, and put you in the best position as your claim moves
forward.

06/26/2026

Not every traffic ticket should be treated the same.

A speeding citation. A reckless driving charge. A failure-to-yield violation.
While they may all seem routine, each can carry different legal and financial consequences. The key isn’t simply responding to the ticket—it’s understanding what that response means for your driving record, insurance, and future.

Being an informed driver doesn’t end when you receive your license. It includes knowing you