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Estate Planning Lawyer · Virginia Beach, VA/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

Finding the right estate planning lawyer can secure your family's future. Here are the top picks in Virginia Beach based on real reviews.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceJ S Burton, PLC
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Virginia Beach-metro estate planning lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Estate planning is a critical service for families in Virginia Beach, ensuring that assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. With a range of options available, it’s essential to choose a lawyer who understands the nuances of Virginia law and can provide personalized guidance.

We evaluated ten estate planning lawyers in the Virginia Beach area, analyzing their client reviews and overall ratings. Our selection process prioritizes transparency and integrity, ensuring that no business pays for placement in our rankings. The result is a list of reputable firms ready to assist you.

10estate planning lawyers evaluated in Virginia Beach
4.70average rating across the field
1.8Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does estate planning lawyer cost in Virginia Beach? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

J S Burton, PLC

★★★★★5.0(219 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 from 219 reviews, J S Burton, PLC stands out for its personalized service and attention to detail.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Thompson Law Group

★★★★★4.9(258 reviews)

Thompson Law Group has an impressive rating of 4.9 from 258 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Shaheen Law Firm, P.C.

★★★★★4.9(247 reviews)

With a rating of 4.9 from 247 reviews, Shaheen Law Firm, P.C.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
J S Burton, PLC
J S Burton, PLC
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
219Personalized estate planning
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
258Affordable estate planning services
3
94Score
4.9★★★★★
247Comprehensive legal services
4
92Score
4.9★★★★★
195Friendly and approachable service
5
91Score
4.8★★★★★
345Experienced estate planning
6
89Score
4.8★★★★★
205Sensitive discussions and thorough planning
7
88Score
4.8★★★★★
133Personalized attention
8
87Score
4.8★★★★★
92Supportive and thorough service
9
84Score
4.6★★★★★
48Straightforward estate planning
10
78Score
3.5★★★★★
45Basic estate planning
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 estate planning lawyers.

To determine the best estate planning lawyers, we assessed various factors including client satisfaction, number of reviews, and overall ratings. Each firm was evaluated based on real customer feedback, ensuring that our rankings reflect genuine experiences.

Our analysis is refreshed monthly to incorporate the latest reviews and ratings. We maintain strict independence, meaning no law firm pays for placement on our list, allowing us to provide unbiased 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.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

J S Burton, PLC

★★★★★5.0(219 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from 219 reviews, J S Burton, PLC stands out for its personalized service and attention to detail. Clients praise the firm for its thorough consultations and dedication to understanding individual needs, making it an excellent choice for estate planning. However, some clients have noted that response times can be slower during busy periods.

Pros

  • Perfect rating
  • Personalized service
  • Dedicated staff

Cons

  • Potential slow response times
Best forPersonalized estate planning
Service areaVirginia Beach and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$300 to $5,000
2
Best Value

Thompson Law Group

★★★★★4.9(258 reviews)
95Score

Thompson Law Group has an impressive rating of 4.9 from 258 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's clear communication and thorough explanations of the estate planning process. They are particularly praised for providing great value for legal services. Nevertheless, some clients mentioned that scheduling an appointment can sometimes be a challenge due to high demand.

Pros

  • Clear communication
  • Great value
  • Thorough explanations

Cons

  • Appointment scheduling can be challenging
Best forAffordable estate planning services
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$300 to $2,500
3
Most Reviewed

Shaheen Law Firm, P.C.

★★★★★4.9(247 reviews)
94Score

With a rating of 4.9 from 247 reviews, Shaheen Law Firm, P.C. is well-regarded for its knowledgeable staff and comprehensive legal services. Clients commend the firm's ability to simplify complex legal matters and provide peace of mind. A downside noted by some clients is that the firm can be busy, leading to longer wait times for appointments.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable staff
  • Comprehensive services
  • Simplifies complex matters

Cons

  • Busy schedule may lead to longer wait times
Best forComprehensive legal services
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$300 to $5,000
4

Alperin Law PLLC

★★★★★4.9(195 reviews)
92Score

Alperin Law PLLC boasts a strong rating of 4.9 from 195 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's friendly approach and thorough guidance throughout the estate planning process. They are known for their responsiveness and willingness to answer questions. However, a few clients felt that the pricing structure could be more transparent.

Pros

  • Friendly approach
  • Thorough guidance
  • Responsive

Cons

  • Pricing structure could be clearer
Best forFriendly and approachable service
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$300 to $3,000
5

Hanger Law

★★★★★4.8(345 reviews)
91Score

Hanger Law has earned a rating of 4.8 from 345 reviews, highlighting its extensive experience and professionalism. Clients commend the firm for its detailed planning and proactive approach. While the firm is well-respected, some clients noted that fees can be on the higher side compared to other local options. 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 experienced estate planning. It serves Virginia Beach, with $500 to $5,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees compared to others.

Pros

  • Extensive experience
  • Professionalism
  • Proactive approach

Cons

  • Higher fees compared to others
Best forExperienced estate planning
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$500 to $5,000
6

Ernest Law Group, PLC

★★★★★4.8(205 reviews)
89Score

Ernest Law Group, PLC has a solid rating of 4.8 from 205 reviews, with clients praising their thoroughness and empathetic approach. They excel in making clients feel comfortable during sensitive discussions. However, some clients mentioned that their office could be difficult to locate, causing minor inconvenience. 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 sensitive discussions and thorough planning. It serves Virginia Beach, with $400 to $3,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are office location can be difficult to find.

Pros

  • Thorough and empathetic
  • Comfortable discussions
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Office location can be difficult to find
Best forSensitive discussions and thorough planning
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$400 to $3,000
7

Anchor Legal Group, PLLC

★★★★★4.8(133 reviews)
88Score

Anchor Legal Group, PLLC holds a rating of 4.8 from 133 reviews, with clients appreciating their attentiveness and personalized service. They are known for their ability to tailor plans to fit individual needs. A common critique is that their office hours may not be very flexible, which could be inconvenient for some clients.

Pros

  • Attentive service
  • Personalized plans
  • Tailored approach

Cons

  • Limited office hours
Best forPersonalized attention
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$300 to $2,500
8

The Law Office of Angela N. Manz

★★★★★4.8(92 reviews)
87Score

The Law Office of Angela N. Manz has a respectable rating of 4.8 from 92 reviews. Clients commend Angela for her thorough explanations and supportive nature throughout the planning process. While many appreciate her expertise, some clients have indicated that they would like to see more in-depth follow-up after initial consultations.

Pros

  • Thorough explanations
  • Supportive nature
  • Expertise

Cons

  • Limited follow-up after initial consultations
Best forSupportive and thorough service
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$350 to $2,500
9

Poole Brooke Plumlee PC

★★★★★4.6(48 reviews)
84Score

Poole Brooke Plumlee PC has a rating of 4.6 from 48 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm’s straightforward approach to estate planning and their willingness to answer questions. However, the limited review base suggests the firm is promising but unproven in the local market. 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 straightforward estate planning. It serves Virginia Beach, with $300 to $2,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base.

Pros

  • Straightforward approach
  • Willing to answer questions
  • Responsive

Cons

  • Limited review base
Best forStraightforward estate planning
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$300 to $2,000
10

Virginia Beach Law Group

★★★★★3.5(45 reviews)
78Score

Virginia Beach Law Group has a lower rating of 3.5 from 45 reviews. While some clients mention they received adequate service, many report that they felt rushed during consultations. This suggests that while the firm is functional, it may not be the best choice for those seeking thorough estate planning assistance.

Pros

  • Functional service
  • Adequate for simple needs

Cons

  • Clients felt rushed
  • Lower overall rating
Best forBasic estate planning
Service areaVirginia Beach
Typical pricing$250 to $1,500
Before you book

How to choose an estate planning lawyer in Virginia Beach

Selecting the right estate planning lawyer requires careful consideration of their experience, client reviews, and your specific needs. Here are a few factors to keep in mind.

Experience and Specialization

Look for a lawyer who specializes in estate planning and has extensive experience in the field.

Client Reviews

Read reviews from previous clients to gauge satisfaction and reliability.

Consultation Availability

Choose a lawyer who offers an initial consultation to discuss your needs without commitment.

Fee Structure

Understand their fee structure upfront to avoid unexpected costs down the line.

What it costs

What estate planning lawyers cost in Virginia Beach

The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer can vary based on complexity and experience. Below are general pricing tiers to expect in Virginia Beach.

Simple Will Creation$300 to $600
Trust Establishment$1,000 to $3,000
Comprehensive Estate Plan$2,500 to $5,000
Hourly Consultations$150 to $400 per hour

Frequently asked questions

How much does estate planning cost in Virginia Beach?

The cost of estate planning varies based on complexity, typically ranging from $300 to $5,000.

What should I look for in an estate planning lawyer?

Look for experience, client reviews, and a lawyer who offers a consultation to discuss your needs.

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 families: Editor's Choice J S Burton, PLC

For those seeking the best estate planning services in Virginia Beach, J S Burton, PLC offers unparalleled personalized attention and expertise. Close behind are Thompson Law Group, known for its value and responsiveness, and Shaheen Law Firm, P.C., praised for its comprehensive services. Each of these firms stands out for their commitment to client satisfaction.