Estate Planning Lawyer · Virginia Beach, VA/Updated June 13, 2026
The 9 Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA
Avoid the pitfalls of poorly drafted wills and trusts. Hiring the right estate planning lawyer in Virginia Beach protects your legacy.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceJ.S. Burton, P.L.C.
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Virginia Beach-metro estate planning lawyer businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.
In Virginia Beach, getting your estate planning wrong can lead to costly disputes and confusion for your loved ones. Without proper legal guidance, you risk leaving your family with a tangled web of probate issues, unintended beneficiaries, or even tax implications that could have been avoided.
To help you navigate this critical process, we evaluated nine local estate planning lawyers based on their ratings, number of reviews, and overall client satisfaction. Our list reflects the best options available to ensure your estate planning needs are met with professionalism and expertise.
9estate planning lawyers evaluated in Virginia Beach
4.81average rating across the field
1.7Kcustomer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
We assessed each estate planning lawyer in Virginia Beach by analyzing their online ratings and the volume of client reviews. Our goal was to highlight those who consistently demonstrate excellence in service and client relations.
No business pays for placement in our rankings. We refresh our evaluations monthly to ensure that the information remains accurate and relevant, providing you with trustworthy recommendations.
The Vetted Score: six weighted factors
Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%
Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.
With a perfect 5-star rating from 231 reviews, J.S. Burton, P.L.C. is celebrated for its personalized service and thorough approach to estate planning. Clients appreciate the clear communication and attention to detail, making it ideal for those seeking tailored legal guidance. However, availability may be limited due to high demand.
Hanger Law has an impressive 4.9-star rating from 370 reviews, indicating a strong reputation in the community. Clients commend their responsiveness and expertise in estate law. This firm is best for individuals looking for a well-reviewed lawyer with a wealth of experience. Some clients note that the office can be busy, which may affect wait times.
Shaheen Law Firm, P.C. holds a 4.9-star rating from 276 reviews, with clients praising their compassionate approach and in-depth knowledge of family estate planning. They excel in handling complex family dynamics and sensitive issues. A downside is that some clients have experienced longer-than-expected turnaround times for document preparation. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is family estate planning. It serves Virginia Beach, VA, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer turnaround times.
Thompson Law Group has a solid 4.9-star rating with 276 reviews. Clients appreciate their professional demeanor and thorough explanations of legal processes. They excel in estate planning for first-time clients. However, some users reported that the firm's office can feel a bit impersonal. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is first-time estate planners. It serves Virginia Beach, VA, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are impersonal office environment.
Alperin Law & Wealth has a strong 4.9-star rating from 197 reviews. Clients praise their comprehensive services, which combine estate planning with wealth management. They are particularly well-suited for individuals with substantial assets. Some clients have mentioned higher fees compared to other firms. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is wealth management alongside estate planning. It serves Virginia Beach, VA, with $300 to $700 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees.
Pros
Comprehensive estate and wealth services
Strong client support
Good for high-net-worth individuals
Cons
Higher fees
Best forWealth management alongside estate planning
Anchor Legal Group, PLLC has a commendable 4.8-star rating from 179 reviews. Clients appreciate their friendly staff and straightforward advice. This firm is ideal for straightforward estate planning needs. On the downside, some clients felt that the firm could improve on follow-up communication. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is basic estate planning services. It serves Virginia Beach, VA, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are follow-up communication could improve.
The Law Office of Angela N. Manz has a solid 4.8-star rating from 93 reviews. Clients commend her personal touch and willingness to explain complex legal concepts. This office is a good fit for individuals seeking a more personalized experience. However, the limited number of reviews may indicate less experience than larger firms.
Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC has a 5-star rating from 10 reviews, indicating promising but unproven service. Clients have praised their attentive approach and willingness to listen to client needs. This firm may be suitable for those looking for a new option, but the thin review base is a concern.
Midgett Preti Olansen has a 4.1-star rating from 38 reviews. While some clients appreciate their straightforward approach, others have expressed dissatisfaction with communication and responsiveness. This firm may suit those looking for basic estate planning but be cautious regarding potential service inconsistencies. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is basic estate planning needs. It serves Virginia Beach, VA, with $150 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication issues and inconsistent responsiveness.
How to choose an estate planning lawyer in Virginia Beach
Selecting the right estate planning lawyer is crucial for protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored. Here are key considerations to keep in mind.
Look for proven experience
Choose a lawyer with a solid track record in estate planning, particularly one who understands Virginia laws and local nuances.
Evaluate client reviews
Read through reviews to gauge client satisfaction. Pay attention to feedback regarding communication, thoroughness, and follow-up.
Assess their approach
Find a lawyer whose approach aligns with your needs, whether you prefer a collaborative process or a more hands-off style.
What it costs
What estate planning lawyers cost in Virginia Beach
Basic Will$200 to $500, depending on complexity and lawyer experience.
Comprehensive Estate Plan$1,000 to $3,000, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Trust Administration$500 to $2,000, based on the size of the estate and required services.
Hourly Rate$150 to $400 per hour, varying by lawyer expertise and reputation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does estate planning cost in Virginia Beach?
Estate planning fees in Virginia Beach typically range from $300 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of your needs and the attorney's experience.
What should I look for in an estate planning lawyer?
Look for experience, client reviews, and a good understanding of Virginia laws. A strong communication style is also key.
How often is this ranking updated?
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
Our verdict
For most Virginia Beach residents: <strong>J.S. Burton, P.L.C.</strong>
Call J.S. Burton, P.L.C. first for top-notch estate planning with a stellar 5-star rating from 231 reviews. If you have a particularly complex estate, Hanger Law is the next best choice with its extensive experience and 370 reviews. For personalized service and a focus on wealth management, consider Shaheen Law Firm, P.C. as a strong alternative.