AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION
At Chris Pritt Law, we provide quality legal services in a wide variety of practice areas. These include:
Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Paternity
Wills & Trusts
Adoptions
Medical Powers of Attorney
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
Estate Disputes
Prenuptial Agreements
Durable Powers of Attorney
Property Deeds
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for all the care and concern you have shown me, and for working tirelessly to ensure that the law worked in our favor."
EM. G
Estate planning attorney in Charleston, west virginia
Services
Do You Really Know What Would Happen?
If something happened to you tomorrow, do you know—for sure—what would legally happen to your home, your savings, and your children?
Most people assume they do. But sudden illness, an accident, or death can change everything in an instant. When that happens, families are often left scrambling—overwhelmed and legally unprepared. The result is confusion, court involvement, delays, and stress that no family should have to go through.
We’re not trying to scare you, but we are trying to prepare you. Working with an estate planning attorney gives you control before a crisis ever has the chance of happening. Our role here at Chris Pritt is simple: help local Charleston families understand their estate planning choices, protect their wishes, and put a clear, enforceable plan in place—before decisions are taken out of their hands.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan?
Failing to plan doesn’t mean things “work themselves out.” It means the court steps in.
If your estate plan is outdated, incomplete, or missing altogether:
A judge (not your family) may decide who manages your affairs
Personal information can become part of a public court process
Loved ones may face delays accessing funds or making important decisions on your behalf
Family disagreements are more likely to arise
If you don’t know exactly what would happen to your family and assets today, that uncertainty is a sign it’s time to speak with an estate planning attorney who can walk you through the reality—and help you change it.
What Is an Estate Plan, Really?
To have a good estate plan, you need to have more than a single document. A good estate plan is a coordinated strategy that outlines:
Who receives your assets
Who makes financial and medical decisions if you are unable to (due to incapacitation)
How your wishes are honored during incapacity or after death
As estate planning attorneys, we ensure all of your chosen and tailored documents work together properly, comply with West Virginia law, and actually function when they’re needed. We focus on workable and strategic plans.
Estate Planning Services We Offer
Every estate plan is different, but most are built using a core set of tools as a basis designed to protect you and your family.
A will serves as the foundation of many estate plans. It outlines how your property should be distributed and allows you to name guardians for minor children—one of the most important decisions parents can make. It’s simple, cheap, easy, and effective.
Trusts can help avoid probate (an expensive and drawn-out court process), ensure your information stays private, and give you more control over how and when assets are distributed.
Healthcare Directives & Medical Powers of Attorney
These documents give you control over future medical decisions. A healthcare power of attorney allows someone you trust to communicate with doctors and make medical choices on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself. Advance directives allow you to outline your preferences for treatment and end-of-life care.
A financial power of attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. This can include paying bills, managing bank accounts, handling investments, or dealing with property issues. Without this document in place, your family may need court approval to step in.
For over 17 years, we’ve helped individuals and families in Charleston develop estate plans ranging from simple to highly customized, always personalized to their real-life needs.
The Chris Pritt Law Difference
Our process is built around clarity and knowledge. With nearly 18 years of experience in estate planning, we know it like the back of our hand, and as Charleston natives, we take the local courts and laws into account in every plan we help create.
We start with a focused planning conversation designed to help you understand:
What would happen under your current situation
Where risks or gaps may exist
What options make the most sense for your goals
We’ll then work together to promptly develop a plan that protects you now and into the future. No templates. No generic plans. Just careful planning backed by experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an estate plan if my estate is small?
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just about wealth—it’s about control. Even modest estates benefit from clear instructions for asset distribution, medical decision-making, and financial authority if something unexpected happens. Without a plan, West Virginia law decides these issues for you.
What happens if I pass away without an estate plan in West Virginia?
If there’s no estate plan in place, the court will take your case under probate to determine who receives your assets and who manages them. This process can be time-consuming, public, and may not reflect what you would have wanted for your family.
Can estate planning help if I become incapacitated but don’t pass away?
Absolutely. Proper planning allows people you personally trust to manage your finances and make healthcare decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself. Without these documents, your family may need court approval to have any kind of say over what happens to you.
What’s the difference between naming someone in a will versus naming them as a beneficiary?
A will controls assets that pass through probate, while beneficiary designations control assets that transfer directly, such as retirement accounts or life insurance.
Can’t I just do this online?
Online forms may seem convenient, but they rely on generic templates and assumptions. They don’t account for personal circumstances or West Virginia-specific rules. Any sort of small mistake can turn into a huge consequence later on.
Get In Touch Today!
Struggling with a legal issue? Chris Pritt Law, PLLC offers experienced support to help you achieve the best outcomes. Our attorneys are dedicated, detail-focused, and deeply connected to the community.
Address: 700 Washington Street, East Suite 204 Charleston, West Virginia 25301
Phone: (304) 720‐4412
Email: [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday: 8:30am – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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