Q: How does estate planning help protect my real estate?

A: The homes our clients own in the D.C. area are often their largest assets. As we work with clients to prepare their estate plans, we discuss creditor protection options, tax planning and how to best manage real estate if they become incapacitated or transfer it upon death. Each client is different and we offer several fixed-price planning options. We then prepare powers of attorney, wills, trusts and deeds to best accomplish each client’s goals.

Planning ahead with a trust or a revocable transfer-on-death deed can save significant time and expense for beneficiaries of real estate. Correctly titling property between spouses can protect against creditors. Clients who have a portfolio of investment properties may want to gift real estate to their descendants to reduce taxes. We can handle these intra-family transfers, including providing gift and estate tax planning to ensure efficient wealth transfer through the family.

All of our estate planning work starts with a free initial consultation, so we encourage clients to come and speak with us about their options.

Q: What kinds of real estate transactions does your firm handle?

A: We work with developers, other real estate professionals and investors to limit liability through the creation of LLCs to own their rental properties. We also negotiate real estate and construction contracts, construction loans and commercial loans for homeowners and developers looking to build or renovate residential or commercial real estate. Additionally, we work with developers and investors to create partnerships and raise capital through private offerings.

Awards/Honors:

• Ryan A. Brown, Esq.: Washingtonian Magazine Top Financial Advisor (Estate Planning Attorney), 2022; Arlington Magazine Top Attorneys Business/Corporate (2019, 2021), Nonprofit (2019, 2021), Tax (2019), Trusts & Estates (2019, 2021); Northern Virginia Magazine Top Lawyer, Financial Law, 2019
• James F. Anderson, Esq.: Arlington Magazine Top Attorneys Trusts & Estates (2019, 2021)