Estate Planning Attorney in Charleston, WV

Estate Planning Services in Charleston, WV

Ray, Winton & Kelley helps individuals and families in Charleston and throughout West Virginia plan for the future, protect their interests, and address the legal responsibilities that arise after the death of a loved one.

Estate planning can involve much more than preparing a will. Depending on your circumstances, a plan may include trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, transfer-on-death planning, business succession considerations, and other documents designed to clearly communicate your wishes and provide authority to the people you trust.

Our estate planning attorneys also assist executors, trustees, beneficiaries, and family members with estate administration and probate matters. When disagreements arise over a will, trust, fiduciary responsibility, inheritance, or estate property, the firm can provide representation in estate-related litigation.

Whether you are creating your first estate plan, updating existing documents, administering an estate, or dealing with an estate dispute, our goal is to help you understand your options and determine the appropriate next steps.

Estate Planning: More Than Just a Will

Good estate planning does more than say who gets what. It protects your loved ones from confusion, conflict, and unnecessary legal fees. It ensures your wishes are clear, your affairs are in order, and the people you trust are empowered to act on your behalf if needed.

We help individuals and families with:

Wills
Revocable and irrevocable trusts
Powers of attorney (financial and medical)
Living wills and advance directives
Transfer-on-death deeds
Charitable or special needs planning
Business succession planning

Whether your estate is simple or complex, we’ll explain your options clearly and help you build a plan that reflects your values and goals.

Estate Administration: Handling a Loved One’s Affairs

Losing someone close to you is hard enough. Being responsible for handling their estate can make an already difficult time even more overwhelming. There’s paperwork, deadlines, court filings, and often a lot of questions about what’s supposed to happen—and when.

We guide executors, trustees, and family members through the process of:

Probating a will
Identifying and distributing assets
Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
Paying debts, taxes, and expenses
Resolving disputes among heirs
Filing necessary documents with the court

We know how emotional and confusing this process can be, and we’re here to make it manageable.

Estate and Tax Disputes: When Things Get Complicated

Sometimes, estate matters don’t go as planned. Disputes can arise between family members, questions may surface about someone’s intentions, or tax consequences can become unexpectedly complex. When that happens, you need a firm that’s ready to step in and protect your interests.

We represent clients in:

Will contests and challenges to capacity or undue influence
Disputes between beneficiaries, executors, or trustees
Breach of fiduciary duty claims
Trust modifications or terminations
Estate tax and inheritance tax concerns
Claims involving jointly owned or transferred property

Whether you're trying to enforce a valid will or defend against a claim, we approach these cases with professionalism, discretion, and a focus on resolution.

Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

One common myth is that estate planning is only for the very wealthy. The truth? Anyone with assets, children, or specific wishes about healthcare or inheritance can benefit from having a plan in place.

A properly drafted will or power of attorney can save your family time, money, and uncertainty. And even if you’ve already created a plan, life changes—like divorce, remarriage, retirement, or the birth of a child—may mean it’s time for an update.

We make the process straightforward, respectful, and focused on what matters to you.

Why Work With an Estate Planning Attorney in Charleston, WV?

Estate planning involves decisions about your property, finances, health care wishes, family, and the people who may be responsible for carrying out your instructions. Working with an estate planning attorney can help ensure that your documents reflect your goals and are prepared for your particular circumstances.

Ray, Winton & Kelley assists individuals and families in Charleston and throughout West Virginia with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, estate administration, and estate-related disputes. The firm can also help review and update existing estate plans when circumstances change.

Whether you are beginning an estate plan, revising older documents, or addressing questions involving an estate after someone has passed away, legal guidance can help you understand your options and the steps involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Charleston, WV

What does an estate planning attorney in Charleston, WV help with?

An estate planning attorney can assist with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, beneficiary and property-planning issues, business succession considerations, and other documents used to organize a person's affairs and communicate their wishes. Attorneys may also assist with probate, estate administration, and disputes involving estates or trusts.

Do I need an estate plan if I do not have a large estate?

Estate planning is not limited to people with substantial wealth. Anyone who wants to specify how property should be handled, designate people to make certain decisions, provide instructions for loved ones, or prepare for possible incapacity may benefit from having an estate plan.

When should I update my estate plan?

It can be helpful to review an estate plan after major life or financial changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a beneficiary or fiduciary, a significant change in assets, relocation, or changes in personal goals. Even without a major event, periodically reviewing existing documents can help ensure they still reflect your wishes.

Can an estate planning attorney also help with probate and estate administration?

Yes. Estate planning and estate administration are closely related areas of law. Ray, Winton & Kelley assists executors, trustees, beneficiaries, and family members with probate and estate administration matters, as well as disputes involving wills, trusts, fiduciary duties, and estate property.

Why RWK Is the Right Fit

At Ray, Winton & Kelley, we’ve built a reputation on practical, thoughtful legal work that puts our clients’ needs first. We don’t overcomplicate things or bury you in jargon. Instead, we focus on helping you understand your situation, make informed decisions, and take the right steps to protect yourself, your family, or your business.

With decades of experience serving Charleston and communities across West Virginia, we bring both deep legal knowledge and a grounded, real-world perspective to every case. Whether you're planning ahead, facing a dispute, or simply looking for clarity, you can count on our team to provide steady guidance and dependable representation.

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FAMILY LAW, DIVORCE & DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Family relationships are complex, and the finances associated with those relationships are often intricate. We have the ability to understand the complexity of those relationships and provide our clients with effective counsel, especially when relationships end in divorce. We handle divorce cases at all income levels and have had particular success with high net-worth cases.

CORPORATE LAW & LITIGATION

Starting and operating a business requires many important decisions. We can help guide you through the process and protect your interests. The issues we handle include business incorporation, breach-of-contract claims, construction law, contractor’s liens, collection of debts, judgment enforcement, non-compete agreements, fraud, partnership disputes, operating agreements, employment matters, and business purchases and sales.

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GENERAL CIVIL LAW & LITIGATION

General civil litigation involves seeking compensatory damages for some actual or perceived wrong. However, remedies in civil matters can also include specific performance of a contractual agreement, injunctive or other equitable relief.

REAL ESTATE LAW & LITIGATION

We handle a variety of real estate legal issues, including sales, leasing, financing, contract negotiations, title assurance, landlord-tenant relations and taxes. When litigation is necessary, we represent clients in disputes over construction, mechanic’s liens, easements, boundaries, condemnation and landlord-tenant issues.

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LAWYER DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

Mark Kelley has represented numerous West Virginia attorneys in all stages of the disciplinary process. If you need representation in this area or just want a consultation to help you deal with a complaint, the firm is ready to assist you in the process.

EMPLOYMENT

Employment law encompasses thousands of federal and state statutes, administrative regulations and judicial decisions that cover a wide spectrum of the employer/employee relationship. We handle issues for employees or employers in such areas as collective bargaining, employment discrimination, unemployment compensation, pensions, workplace safety and workers’ compensation.

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MEDIATION

The firm offers mediation services for business disputes, estate disputes and domestic relations cases. Mark and Sam have taken basic and advanced mediation courses through the West Virginia State Bar. Mark has mediated numerous cases in the above fields and is available to assist litigants and their attorneys in trying to resolve these often-complicated and contentious matters. Sam generally limits his mediation practice to family law disputes. It greatly enhances the chances of a successful mediation if your mediator has extensive experience dealing with the issues to be mediated.

Testimonials

Elizabeth Smith

Ray, Winton, & Kelley Law Firm team providing compassionate legal services in estate planning, family law, and more.

Mr. Kelley is extremely responsive and knowledgeable when it comes to family law. He and his staff are have done an excellent job handling child custody issues quickly and effectively, highly recommend.

David Log

A very old and established law firm. Great for estate management and general law.

Leslie Richmond

Franki Parsons has been a life saver. Franki goes above and beyond to help you. So easy to talk to and you know she cares. Can't recommend enough.