Can I Use Artificial Intelligence (e.g., OpenAI, ChatGPTTM) for Estate Planning?
Can Artificial Intelligence write a will? While it is technically possible to use Artificial Intelligence for estate planning, that doesn’t necessarily make it worthwhile. Here are Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko, we understand that hands on, personal estate planning is far better for your piece of mind than ease. In some cases, no plan is better... Read More
Estate Planning Checklist for Active and Retired Military
Serving in the military is often a high-risk job, making it important to plan for your family’s future in the event that something happens during your service. At Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko, we are truly grateful for our military and we take pride in helping them plan. That’s why we compiled this estate planning checklist... Read More
Filing Trademark Registration in Fairfax VA
Trademarks Filing for a trademark registration protects your business brand, but the process can be involved, intimidating, and overwhelming. A lawyer experienced with trademark applications can help you ensure that your filing is correct and accurate. Here’s what you should know. Trademark Protection The purpose of securing a trademarking registration is to establish the source... Read More
FAQ About Estate Law in Virginia
What happens if you die without a will? Your probate estate is distributed under the intestate (without a will) laws of your state. What does a will do? A will tells your Executor how to distribute your probate estate. How is my property transferred at death? The answer depends on what type of... Read More
FAQ About Civil Litigation Law in Virginia
What is the civil justice system? The civil justice system is the part of our court system that deals with claims that are not criminal. What is a plaintiff and defendant? A plaintiff is the party bringing a civil claim. A defendant is the party being sued. What does the civil process look... Read More
FAQ About Revocable Living Trust (RLT) in Virginia
What is an RLT? Generally, a vehicle for estate planning to avoid probate, guardianship and conservatorship, while preserving family wealth. What is the difference between a RLT and irrevocable trust? As a general rule, an irrevocable trust cannot be changed and often control over the trust is granted from the trust maker to a... Read More
Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
On January 1, 2024, corporations, limited liability companies and other entities will be required to begin report information about their “beneficial owners;” people who either exercise significant control over the entity or who own 25% or more of the entity. This mandate comes down from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network... Read More
Estate Planning Checklist for Police Officers
Being a police officer is a high-risk job, making it important to plan for your family’s future in the event that something happens to you in the line of duty. At Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko, we are truly grateful for our local police officers, and we take pride in helping them plan. That’s why we... Read More
Have you heard of the Green Book?
If not, thanks to Delegate Mike Mullin of Newport News, Delegate Jeion Ward of Hampton, and Virginia’s Governor, Glenn Youngkin, Virginians will soon know the Green Book and its relevance in our state. If anyone was taught the Green Book in history, I personally want to commend those teachers. The way our ancestors dealt with... Read More
Understanding Nonprofit Filing Requirements
If you are interested in creating a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, it is important to understand filing requirements. Most nonprofit entities are non-stock corporations qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) or (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. They are often religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational, and in some cases they are social organizations, clubs,... Read More