Richard L. Ferris

I am often asked “Why don’t people seriously plan their estates?” I’ve heard many different reasons over 40 years as an Estate and Trust Planning attorney. The most common reason, I believe, is at one time or another, we tend to PROCRASTINATE. Why? Because we think that acting – doing something now – will produce more pain (and cost) than not doing anything. As I explain to clients, look at estate planning as LIVING PLANNING – just as you would plan a vacation, retirement or wedding. In fact, it is your attempt to use your creative ideas and your resources to develop an environment (and a plan) for yourself and family that will extend far beyond your life. It is your opportunity to share your values, guiding principles, spiritual beliefs with your family and make sure your wealth is left to YOUR loves ones, at the RIGHT time, in the RIGHT way; minimizing administration costs and avoiding death taxes. Dick has authored many articles on Estate Planning, including publication in the Virginia State Bar’s Trusts and Estates. In addition, Dick is a frequent speaker before civic, social, and professional groups. He has co-authored three books on Estate and Trust Planning: LEGACY—Plan, Protect and Preserve Your Estate, GENERATIONS—Planning Your Legacy and LOVE, MONEY, CONTROL—Reinventing Estate Planning. Dick also serves as Chairman of the Board of Principals for the firm and in this role gives guidance and direction for the firm and its’ attorneys. View More ›