Terry Frank Law

05/01/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Truitt to Terry Frank Law! Jeff joins us after many years in the City of Richmond's Public Defender's Office, where he handled hundreds of cases - from misdemeanors to serious felonies- in circuit, general district and juvenile/domestic courts.

In addition to criminal defense, Jeff has expanded his practice to include civil litigation, broadening his ability to serve the diverse legal needs of clients in the Firm’s business and trusts/estates litigation practices.

Should you or a loved one find yourself in need of a dedicated, experienced defense attorney, just call or email our front desk to schedule a consultation, or complete the contact form on our website.

804-899-8089
[email protected]
www. terryfranklaw.com

12/11/2023

A revocable living trust is a great foundational tool to save time and money and maintain your and your loved ones’ privacy after you become incapacitated or die. However, because you, as trustmaker, would typically serve as the initial trustee and have the power to change or revoke the trust, there is little that can be done to shelter the trust’s accounts and property from your personal creditors. The trust is merely an extension of you.

12/01/2023

While most things can be transferred to a trust during your lifetime through a process called trust funding, there are some items or assets that cannot be transferred to a trust. First, your retirement account must be left with you as the individual owner of the account, and you then name a beneficiary to receive the account proceeds when you pass away. The beneficiary may be a spouse, child, charity, other individual, or your trust, depending on your situation. The account is transferred through a beneficiary designation. If the designation form is properly filled out, the transfer will not have to go through probate, protecting your beneficiary’s privacy.

11/21/2023

As a business executive, you are used to strategizing and creating goals as part of your job. But have you devoted time to strategizing and creating goals to protect yourself and your loved ones? If not, we are here to help you address some of the goals business executives often have when looking to their future.

As a business executive, you are used to strategizing and creating goals as part of your job. But have you devoted time to strategizing and creating goals to protect yourself and your loved ones? If not, we are here to help you address some of...

11/17/2023

Although a beneficiary form is a simple way to make sure that your accounts and/or insurance policies will be transferred to your loved ones upon your death without court oversight, without a proper estate plan, your beneficiaries will have no access to your accounts should you become incapacitated.

09/15/2023

FERPA, the family Education Rights and Privacy Act, is designed to protect a college students' privacy, but can leave parents high and dry in an emergency. In order to gain access to your child's academic records, a properly-worded release must be submitted to the school.

09/13/2023

You probably already know that an executor is a person(s) or entity named in a decedent’s will who will administer the estate of a deceased individual and who accepts appointment by qualifying as executor before the Clerk of Court.

Similarly, an Administrator also administers the estate, but is a person(s) or entity appointed by and qualified before the Clerk of Court when a decedent dies without a will or has a will that doesn’t name a specific executor or the named executor declines to serve.

A Personal Representative means either an executor or administrator of an estate.

09/09/2023

Finalizing your estate planning documents can provide incredible peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed and loved ones can be provided for according to your wishes. However, if your family members, loved ones, or most importantly, your named executor can’t locate your original, executed will and/or trust instrument after your death, then all of your planning may be for naught. That’s why communication is key. It is imperative that you let your family members, loved ones, estate planning attorney, or at the very least your executor and back-up executor know where your original (not a copy) will is located. Is it in a safe deposit box? Is it in a fireproof safe/filing cabinet in your home? Is it under your mattress? Hiding your original will in a safe location is important, but making your executor, family or friends engage in a hide and seek game to locate it at your passing may mean they never find it and your estate may be treated as intestate, subject to the intestacy laws of your state instead of your original desires.

Terry Frank Law can help with all of your questions and concerns and can get your estate plan in place. Call or email us to get started today!

08/29/2023

Did you know? Once your child is over 18, you no longer have the authority to make healthcare decisions. That's why it is so important to have your child appoint an agent for a Medical Power of Attorney and to sign a HIPAA Authorization.

08/24/2023

At first glance, it might seem unnecessary for an 18-year-old to consider a Last Will and Testament, but it's never too early to instill responsible habits into your child. In the event of a worst-case scenario, having a Simple Will in place will ensure that your child's wishes are met. Call us today at 804-899-8089 to learn more about for your child's future.