Areas served: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding Albemarle County
Charlottesville's estate planning landscape includes attorneys serving both university-affiliated families and generational farming operations throughout Albemarle County. Local practitioners range from solo attorneys focusing exclusively on wills and trusts to full-service firms handling complex estate administration and business succession planning. The area's unique mix of historic estates, growing tech sector wealth, and agricultural land ownership creates diverse planning needs across different client segments.
Leitner Law PLC is an estate planning and elder law firm serving Harrisonburg and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. Led by experienced attorneys, they specialize in comprehensive estate planning services including will and trust preparation, special needs planning, asset preservation, incapacity planning, and estate/trust administration. The firm is known for their compassionate approach to sensitive matters like incapacity, end-of-life planning, and long-term care transitions.
“Kathy Leitner and her team were excellent to work with in preparing our trusts and explaining all legal aspects of trusts. They took their time with us and were quick to respond when we had questions or requested changes. Would highly recommend using them, particularly for complex estate planning.”
— Margaret Hisey, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 56 reviewsThe Goodman Law Firm is a criminal defense practice in Charlottesville with over 45 years of experience defending clients throughout Central Virginia. Founded by Scott Goodman, a former prosecutor with decades of trial experience, the firm now includes his son Alex Goodman, also a former prosecutor. They handle a comprehensive range of criminal matters including felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/traffic offenses, juvenile and domestic criminal cases, protective orders, gun rights restorations, appeals, expungements, probation violations, and animal seizure cases.
“I want to thank my attorney Alexander Goodman for representing me through my case. He went above and beyond for me and I feel like he would do the same for anybody he represents. he is very nice, considerate and extremely understanding and very knowledgeable and professional. I'm very thankful for my outcome in my case and I couldn't have done it without Alex. He will work extremely hard to give you the best outcome possible. I highly highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney.”
— Heather Eppard, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 193 reviewsNorton Health Law, P.C. is led by founding attorney Beth Norton, a nurse-attorney who combines healthcare expertise with legal knowledge to serve Virginia's elderly, disabled, and healthcare consumers. The firm specializes in estate planning, elder law, probate administration, and consumer healthcare law—including health insurance claims disputes and advocacy against medical providers and insurance companies. Beth Norton's unique background as both a nurse and attorney, along with her trained team, enables compassionate, comprehensive counsel for clients navigating life-changing legal and healthcare decisions.
La Fratta Law is a criminal defense firm led by Michael La Fratta, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over a decade of experience handling tough cases across Virginia. The firm specializes in DUI defense, expungements, traffic violations, protective orders, reckless driving, and other criminal charges. With offices in Charlottesville and Richmond, La Fratta takes a proactive courtroom approach and offers free confidential consultations to clients facing criminal charges.
Geraty, Holub & MacQueen, PLC is a Virginia-based law firm specializing in Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability, and Workers' Compensation claims for over 40 years. Led by attorney Robert J. Holub, Jr., the firm provides dedicated representation to Virginians navigating complex disability benefit systems, with a commitment to straightforward legal guidance during financially and emotionally challenging periods. They offer free consultations and are known for their deep local expertise in Central and Southwest Virginia.
Stapleton Elder Law is a full-service elder law and estate planning firm serving Virginia families with comprehensive legal guidance for their senior years and beyond. Led by Simon Stapleton, the firm specializes in dementia and Alzheimer's planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection trusts, wills, probate administration, and veterans benefits. They focus on personalized service that addresses each family's unique circumstances, offering free healthcare power of attorney preparation and a Client and Family Care Plan for ongoing support.
MartinWren, P.C. is a husband-wife trial team led by Bob and Lauren Byrne specializing in catastrophic personal injury cases in Charlottesville and Central Virginia. Bob Byrne is Virginia's only Board Certified Truck Accident Attorney through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The firm handles truck accidents, car accidents, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, wrongful death, slip and fall, workplace injuries, dog bites, and medical malpractice—with a proven track record of securing some of Virginia's largest jury verdicts and settlements.
Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel is an estate planning and elder law firm led by attorneys Lelia and Michael Winget-Hernandez, with offices in Troy and Powhatan, Virginia. They specialize in comprehensive estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney), elder law and Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate and estate administration, and fiduciary litigation. The firm emphasizes personalized service and conflict prevention, drawing on their background as litigators to help families avoid court disputes and protect their legacies.
MichieHamlett PLLC is a full-service law firm with over 75 years of experience serving individuals, families, and businesses across Virginia. With more than a dozen attorneys—nearly all recognized as Best Lawyers or Super Lawyers—the firm handles personal injury, criminal defense, family law, trusts and estates, business and contract law, and medical malpractice cases. MichieHamlett combines deep legal expertise with personalized client service, meeting clients at their offices in Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Richmond or handling matters entirely remotely.
Voors & Kenefick, P.C. is a general practice law firm in Scottsville, VA serving clients throughout Virginia with in-person, virtual, and on-site legal assistance. Their practice areas include estate planning (wills, trusts, and estate documents), business law, company formation, real estate transactions, civil litigation, criminal defense, trademark applications, immigration visa services, and character and fitness hearings. They emphasize personalized client service, competitive pricing, and an online portal for document sharing and case updates.
Gelbman Law PLLC is an elder law firm exclusively serving Charlottesville and Central Virginia, led by attorney Doris Gelbman. They specialize in comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives, as well as long-term care planning, Medicaid/nursing home advocacy, guardianship and conservatorship matters, and representation in cases involving elder abuse or financial exploitation. Their practice is deeply focused on protecting seniors and their families through personalized legal strategies.
Virginia Wills & Probate, PLC is an estate planning law firm founded by R. Jefferson Garnett and Hamilton Garnett, serving clients from their Louisa office and Richmond location. They specialize in will drafting, living wills, trust creation and administration, probate guidance, and comprehensive estate planning designed to protect families across generations. The firm helps clients plan for incapacity, manage family assets like farms and vacation homes, and ensure their wishes are carried out—with a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and compassionate client service.
“Hamilton is highly knowledgeable was indispensable in helping us navigate the complexities of estate planning. He pointed out pitfalls and other situations I hadn't thought of at all during the process. He's a superb attorney; I give my strongest recommendation.”
— John Martin, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 9 reviewsTucker Griffin Barnes P.C. is a comprehensive law firm serving Central Virginia and the Valley with over 36 years of experience across multiple practice areas. Their services span personal injury and workers' compensation, family law and estate planning, criminal defense and DUI/traffic matters, bankruptcy, real estate settlements, and business formation. The firm distinguishes itself through specialized attorneys who concentrate in one or two areas of law, client-focused service with four convenient office locations, and a reputation for responsive communication and thorough preparation.
Prior Law is a Shenandoah Valley estate planning and elder law firm specializing in comprehensive legal solutions for farming families, business owners, and seniors. They offer custom wills, trusts, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning, business succession strategies, and asset protection services through two convenient service models: in-home Legacy Concierge meetings or virtual planning sessions. Their mobile approach brings estate planning directly to clients' homes, farms, or businesses, eliminating the need to travel to an office.
Wills and Associates is a Charlottesville-based accounting firm specializing in comprehensive tax preparation, business accounting, and estate planning services. Led by experienced professionals, they serve business owners, executives, and independent professionals with a focus on personalized attention and affordability. Their services span individual and business tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, financial planning, and estate planning.
Kristy L. Johnston Law is a Charlottesville-based firm offering comprehensive real estate services, estate planning, and business formation assistance. Led by experienced attorney Kristy L. Johnston, the firm handles both residential and commercial real estate transactions while helping clients plan for their future through personalized estate strategies. They emphasize a meticulous, client-centered approach with transparent pricing and technical expertise across all service areas.
Tremblay & Smith, PLLC is a Charlottesville-based law firm with over 68 years of experience serving Central Virginia. The firm specializes in domestic and family law, corporate and business matters, personal injury and malpractice claims, estate planning, and mediation services. Led by attorneys Melissa M. Ritter, Samantha E. Freed, Megan M. Flowers, and Andrew I. Offman, they prioritize negotiated settlements while maintaining robust litigation capabilities when courtroom advocacy is necessary.
Garrett & Garrett, P.C. is a locally-owned law firm in Bedford, VA led by attorney Carter B. Garrett with over 35 years of experience. While categorized as an estate planning firm, the practice offers comprehensive legal services including criminal defense, family law, probate administration, and personal injury representation. The firm provides personalized attention, free initial consultations, and emergency consultations for urgent legal matters, with deep roots in the local community and thorough knowledge of Virginia law.
McCallum & Kudravetz, PC is a full-service law firm established in 1982 specializing in estate planning, real estate, business law, and taxation. They provide comprehensive estate planning document preparation, trust and estate administration, business organization and transactions, real estate acquisition and development, and tax planning services. Their long-standing presence in Charlottesville and multi-discipline approach make them a resource for clients needing coordinated legal and tax guidance.
Jones Oberg & Green, LLP is a full-service law firm in Charlottesville with over 30 years of experience serving clients since 1991. The firm's three attorneys bring combined 72 years of legal expertise across estate planning, family law, real estate, business formation, employment, personal injury, and civil litigation. They specialize in estate planning services including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, while also handling comprehensive legal needs for individuals and businesses throughout Central Virginia.
Estate Law Center, PLLC is a dedicated estate planning law firm in Culpeper serving clients throughout the region with comprehensive legal services including wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and probate administration. Led by experienced attorneys, the firm specializes in helping families protect their assets, plan for incapacity, and ensure their wishes are carried out. They work closely with clients to create personalized estate plans tailored to individual circumstances and goals.
Royer Caramanis is a full-service law firm in Charlottesville offering estate planning, estate administration, real estate, business law, civil litigation, family law, criminal defense, employment, banking, taxation, and military law services. The firm's attorneys bring decades of combined experience and focus on making complex legal situations understandable while delivering efficient, responsive representation tailored to each client's needs.
Virginia Wills, Trusts & Estates, PLC is a Charlottesville-based law firm specializing in estate planning and estate administration. Led by attorneys Mark Nelson and Chase Sandridge, with counsel from Wendall L. Winn, Jr., the firm helps clients thoughtfully plan wealth transfer through wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and tax strategies, as well as guide families through probate and estate settlement in compliance with Virginia law. Their Pantops Mountain location serves all of Charlottesville, Albemarle, and Central Virginia.
Vitt Law Offices PLC is a full-service estate planning firm in Charlottesville that helps individuals and families protect their assets and secure their legacies. The firm specializes in comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration, with particular expertise in elder law and Medicaid planning. Their personalized approach ensures each client's unique circumstances and goals are addressed through customized legal solutions.
Julie A. King, PLC is an estate planning law firm serving Charlottesville and the surrounding area. The firm specializes in helping clients organize their financial and legal affairs through comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and probate administration. Julie King works directly with clients to create personalized plans that protect their assets and provide peace of mind for their families.
Skeen Law Offices is a well-established estate planning and business law firm in Charlottesville serving since 1988. Attorneys James and Evan Skeen provide comprehensive legal services including estate planning, trust and estate administration, tax law, and business law for individuals and businesses throughout Central Virginia. James Skeen holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating and is a certified public accountant, bringing deep expertise in tax planning and business matters.
H. Kay Cross, PLC is a solo estate planning law firm in Charlottesville led by Kay Cross, an attorney with 24 years of experience. The firm specializes in drafting wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate and trust administration, gift and estate tax planning, power of attorney documents, premarital agreements, small business planning, elder law, and animal care trusts. Kay Cross is known for creating customized legal documents that account for each client's unique family, social, and financial circumstances, with many clients returning for ongoing assistance over the years.
Grisham & Barnhardt, PLLC is a Charlottesville-based law firm offering comprehensive legal services including estate planning, wills, real estate law, civil litigation, business law, and personal injury representation. The firm is committed to personalized client service, with experienced attorneys providing hands-on attention to each case across Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and surrounding areas.
Carter Richard E is an estate planning attorney serving the Charlottesville area. With a focus on helping clients prepare for the future, Richard E. Carter provides legal guidance on wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents to ensure your wishes are properly documented and your family is protected.
Leitner Law PLC is the top-ranked estate planning firm in Charlottesville with a Lantern Score of 92.45/100 and a 5-star rating from 56 reviews. They specialize in comprehensive estate planning and are particularly known for serving families with special needs members, aging adults planning for incapacity, and business owners needing comprehensive estate plans.
Norton Health Law, P.C. (Lantern Score: 84.60/100, 5-star rating) is excellent for seniors planning long-term care, with founding attorney Beth Norton combining healthcare expertise with legal knowledge. They also serve families managing probate, healthcare consumers in disputes with insurers, and those with special needs or disability planning needs.
The Goodman Law Firm is open Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 AM–11:59 PM (Lantern Score: 92.33/100, 4.8-star rating with 193 reviews), though their primary practice focus is criminal defense. For estate planning specifically, you may want to contact them directly or consider other top-ranked firms like Leitner Law PLC or Norton Health Law for weekend availability.
Leitner Law PLC (Lantern Score: 92.45/100) and Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel (Lantern Score: 80.25/100, 4.8-star rating) both specialize in estate planning for families with special needs members. Both firms offer comprehensive strategies to protect assets and ensure long-term care planning for disabled family members.
Stapleton Elder Law (Lantern Score: 81.60/100, 4.9-star rating from 43 reviews) and Commonwealth Life and Legacy Counsel (Lantern Score: 80.25/100) both specialize in Medicaid planning. Stapleton Elder Law also serves seniors planning for long-term care and families with dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis, plus veterans seeking aid and attendance benefits.
Leitner Law PLC (Lantern Score: 92.45/100) serves business owners and property owners needing comprehensive estate plans, while Prior Law (Lantern Score: 75.80/100, 5-star rating) specializes in farming families and business owners with custom wills, trusts, and Medicaid asset protection strategies. Virginia Wills & Probate, PLC (Lantern Score: 78.33/100, 5-star rating) also focuses on property owners with farms or vacation homes.