Don Shaw Law

Don Shaw Law We provide estate planning, probate, and guardianship services. Dealing with legal issues can be incredibly stressful. I also have a daughter with special needs.

Having an advocate who appreciates your unique situation can make a significant difference. My experiences inform my perspective as a lawyer. As a military retiree, I understand the challenges service members and veterans face. I established my law office to offer legal services in Estate Planning and Elder Law; paying special attention to both military/veterans' issues and special needs concerns.

My background gives me the ability to see your situation through the eyes of someone who has been there. I work hard to help clients in every situation, taking care to put complex legal issues into easily understandable language. I take great pride in developing real connections with clients; treating clients with respect and spending time to make sure that they fully understand the process they are going through. When you need counsel on a major, life-impacting decision, you deserve an attorney who will listen to you, thoroughly examine the facts, and help you work toward the best possible solution for you, your family, and your future. There's no need to handle these difficult matters of law alone. The Law Office Of Donald B. Shaw II, PLLC offers free initial consultations for your legal matters. In the interest of safety, all our consultations are currently conducted in a virtual online environment. Complete the contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.

Protecting your family’s legacy just got a bit easier in Virginia.We know how stressful it can be to worry that a loved ...
06/03/2026

Protecting your family’s legacy just got a bit easier in Virginia.

We know how stressful it can be to worry that a loved one might be pressured or coerced into changing their estate plan. It’s a heavy burden for any family to carry. Fortunately, Virginia’s updated laws on “undue influence” now provide better protection and clearer standards to keep your family’s true wishes safe.

At Don Shaw Law, we are here to guide you through these transitions with empathy and authority. Our team is proud to serve families across Northern Virginia: from Arlington to Fairfax and Woodbridge: ensuring you have the peace of mind you deserve. We aren't just here to handle paperwork; we’re here to protect what matters most to you.

If you are concerned about a family member’s plan or want to ensure your own legacy is secure under the new standards, we’re here to help.

Make an appointment to see us by booking directly on our site: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

A big change is coming to Virginia law that every family should have on their radar. ⚖️Starting July 1, 2026, Senate Bil...
06/01/2026

A big change is coming to Virginia law that every family should have on their radar. ⚖️

Starting July 1, 2026, Senate Bill 540 officially shifts the "burden of proof" for trust contests. This means trust standards will now align with will standards: making it easier to challenge a trust if there’s a suspicion of undue influence.

In the past, the person challenging a trust had a heavy mountain to climb. Now, under certain conditions, the court will presume influence was used, and it’s up to the defender to prove otherwise. It’s a move designed to protect our seniors and ensure their true wishes are followed, but it also means your estate plan needs to be more "bulletproof" than ever.

We’re here to help you navigate these transitions with peace of mind. Whether you are in VA, MD, DC, or WV, our team is ready to ensure your legacy is protected and your family is cared for.

Let’s make sure your plan stands the test of time. Tap the link below to book a consultation with us:
https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

If you’re handling an estate in Maryland, there’s a specific number you really need to look out for: 10%.Most people thi...
05/29/2026

If you’re handling an estate in Maryland, there’s a specific number you really need to look out for: 10%.

Most people think "death taxes" only apply to the ultra-wealthy, but Maryland has a unique rule that catches families off guard all the time. If you leave your legacy to a niece, nephew, or even a close friend, the state takes a 10% cut right off the top.

The biggest headache? We often see executors distribute funds to the family, only to realize later that the tax hasn't been paid yet. Having to ask a relative to "send back" thousands of dollars months later is a situation we want to help you avoid.

It’s all about the details: and that’s where our team comes in. We’re here to help you navigate these local quirks so you can focus on what matters most: honoring your loved one’s wishes.

Whether you're currently an executor or just starting your own estate plan, let’s make sure there are no surprises down the road.

You can book a time to chat with us directly through our scheduling form here: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

AI is great for drafting emails or coming up with dinner ideas, but we’re seeing a real issue in Virginia and DC probate...
05/27/2026

AI is great for drafting emails or coming up with dinner ideas, but we’re seeing a real issue in Virginia and DC probate courts lately: the "AI Document Collapse."

It happens when DIY or AI-generated documents look fine on the surface but miss the hyper-specific local requirements that court clerks and judges look for. Whether it's a missing self-proving affidavit in Virginia or failing to properly notify "interested persons" in DC, these tiny legal details can bring the entire probate process to a grinding halt.

At Don Shaw Law, we believe you deserve more than an algorithm. A bot can’t sit down with you to understand your family’s unique needs, and it definitely doesn't know the specific quirks of our local courthouses.

We’re here to be your guide and ensure your plan actually works when it’s needed most. Protecting your family’s future shouldn't be a gamble.

Let’s make sure your documents are court-ready. Book a consultation with our team directly through our scheduling form: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

In Northern Virginia, it’s a story we see often: a beautiful family home worth seven figures, but an estate bank account...
05/25/2026

In Northern Virginia, it’s a story we see often: a beautiful family home worth seven figures, but an estate bank account that’s surprisingly empty. 🏠

This "house-rich, cash-poor" situation can turn probate into a real challenge for executors. When the bills for property taxes, maintenance, and insurance start rolling in, many family members feel a heavy pressure to pay out of their own pockets just to keep things afloat.

If you find yourself in this position, the first step is to protect yourself. Before you spend a dime of your personal money, it is vital to secure the property and work toward opening an estate account. Taking these steps early helps avoid personal liability and ensures the estate is managed correctly from day one. ⚖️

We’re here to be your guide through these stressful life transitions, offering the clarity and support your family deserves. Whether you are in VA, WV, MD, or DC, our team is ready to help you protect what matters most.

Let’s get you moving forward with peace of mind. Make an appointment to see us by using our scheduling form here: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

Losing a loved one is hard enough: finding out the bank accounts are frozen makes it even tougher. When someone passes a...
05/22/2026

Losing a loved one is hard enough: finding out the bank accounts are frozen makes it even tougher.

When someone passes away, accounts are often locked instantly. This "Probate Freeze" can leave executors and families struggling to pay immediate bills, mortgage payments, or funeral expenses. It’s a stressful hurdle that many don't see coming.

At Don Shaw Law, we specialize in helping families across VA, WV, MD, and DC navigate these legal complexities. Our goal is to ensure you have a clear path forward so you can focus on what matters most: your family.

We’re here to help you keep the lights on and your peace of mind intact.

Make an appointment to see us and get ahead of the freeze:
https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

Navigating life in a blended family is full of heart: but it also comes with some unique legal hurdles. We call it the “...
05/20/2026

Navigating life in a blended family is full of heart: but it also comes with some unique legal hurdles. We call it the “Blended Family Trap.”

Without a specific plan in place, state laws often decide how your assets are distributed. This can lead to unintended consequences, like biological children being unintentionally disinherited or a surviving stepparent being left without the resources they need.

At Don Shaw Law, we help families across VA, WV, MD, and DC find that perfect balance. Our goal is to ensure your spouse is cared for while your children’s legacy remains protected. It’s about more than just paperwork: it’s about peace of mind for the people you love most.

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Let’s build a plan that reflects your unique family dynamic.

Make an appointment to see us by booking a call here: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

We’re here to help you protect what matters most.

Ever heard of a "stale" Power of Attorney? It sounds like something from a bakery, but it’s actually a very real headach...
05/18/2026

Ever heard of a "stale" Power of Attorney? It sounds like something from a bakery, but it’s actually a very real headache for families right now.

Even if you signed your documents years ago, financial institutions in 2026 are becoming more restrictive about what they’ll accept. We’ve seen banks turn away perfectly legal documents simply because they haven't been updated recently: leaving families stuck in difficult situations during already stressful transitions.

The goal of estate planning is peace of mind: and that means knowing your documents will actually work when your family needs them most. A quick "check-up" ensures your plans are current, compliant, and your protection is solid.

If you’re in VA, WV, MD, or DC, our team is here to help you review your existing documents and make sure everything is ready to go. We're committed to helping you protect what matters most with clarity and reliability.

Schedule a consultation with us directly on our site to get started: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

Life moves fast when you’re right in the middle of it. Between school runs, career goals, and looking after aging parent...
05/15/2026

Life moves fast when you’re right in the middle of it. Between school runs, career goals, and looking after aging parents, Gen X is the ultimate "sandwich generation": and it’s easy for estate planning to fall to the bottom of an ever-growing to-do list.

We get it. The idea of a full-blown will can feel like a mountain you don’t have time to climb today. But here’s our "secret sauce" for getting past the procrastination: start small. 🚀

You don’t need to do everything at once to protect what matters most. A simple Power of Attorney or even just updating your beneficiary designations is a massive win for your family’s peace of mind. It’s about taking that first manageable step to ensure things are handled exactly how you want.

Our team is here to make this process feel like a conversation, not a chore. We’re helping families across VA, WV, MD, and DC find their footing without the overwhelm. 😊

Ready to check that "one thing" off your list? Make an appointment to see us at the link below. We’d love to help you clear the hurdle.

Book here: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

Losing control over your family's future is a scary thought, but the Virginia guardianship crisis is making it a reality...
05/13/2026

Losing control over your family's future is a scary thought, but the Virginia guardianship crisis is making it a reality for many families.

If a loved one loses the ability to make their own decisions and there isn’t a Power of Attorney (POA) in place, families are often forced into a public, expensive, and stressful court-ordered guardianship process. It’s a hurdle no one should have to face during an already difficult time.

At Don Shaw Law, PLLC, we believe in being proactive. A Power of Attorney is a simple, powerful tool that keeps the decision-making power in your hands: not the court’s. It’s about more than just paperwork; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and protection for the people you love most.

We’re here to help families across VA, WV, MD, and DC navigate these transitions with confidence and clarity.

Don’t wait for a crisis to start the conversation. Make an appointment to see us and get your plan in place today.

Book your call here: https://donshawlaw.com/book-a-call/

Address

4008 Genesee Place, Suite 109
Woodbridge, VA
22192

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 2pm

Telephone

+15715548200

Website

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