Are you a current Habitat homeowner? The following resources may be helpful to you!
Will and Estate Planning
Preparing a will and basic estate documents is an important step in protecting your home, your family, and the stability you have worked hard to achieve through homeownership. Estate planning helps ensure that your wishes are clearly documented and that your home and assets are handled according to your intentions if something unexpected happens. Even simple planning can prevent legal complications and reduce stress for your loved ones.
When Should You Create a Will and Estate Documents?
It is best to begin will and estate planning soon after purchasing your home or experiencing a major life event, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or changes in income or assets. Habitat homeowners, in particular, should consider estate planning early so there is a clear plan for the home, mortgage responsibilities, and household decision-making if the homeowner becomes ill or passes away. Updating your documents every few years, or after major life changes, is also recommended to ensure they remain accurate.
What Documents Should Be Included
A basic estate plan typically includes:
- A Last Will and Testament (to outline how your assets and home should be distributed)
- An Advance Medical Directive (to state your healthcare wishes if you are unable to make decisions)
- A Power of Attorney (to authorize a trusted person to make legal or financial decisions on your behalf)
These documents work together to provide clarity, protect your family, and help avoid court delays or confusion during difficult times.
Who to Contact and How to Start the Process
Homeowners should work with a qualified attorney who can ensure documents meet Virginia legal requirements and reflect your specific situation. The process usually begins with gathering basic information about your household, assets, beneficiaries, and preferred decision-makers. From there, the attorney will draft documents for your review, answer questions, and finalize the paperwork for proper signing and storage.
To make the process easier, our partner attorney offers Habitat homeowners the opportunity to have a will, advance medical directive, and power of attorney prepared at no cost. If you are interested, please email homeownership@richmondhabitat.org to request a Will Questionnaire, which helps the attorney collect the necessary information to begin drafting your documents.
