Armstrong Bristow Farley & Schwarzschild PLC – Richmond, VA

Sophisticated Estate Planning and Tax Counsel

Big Firm Expertise, Boutique Personal Service

Armstrong Bristow Farley & Schwarzschild PLC is a premier boutique law firm in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in the preservation and transfer of wealth. Founded in 2005 by partners from large regional law firms, the practice was built on a simple yet powerful premise: to provide the same high-level sophistication and technical expertise found in big corporate firms, but with the responsiveness and personal attention of a specialized team. The firm serves high-net-worth individuals, family business owners, and fiduciaries who require intricate planning to navigate the complexities of tax laws and family dynamics. Their attorneys are recognized leaders in the field, with several being Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). They understand that estate planning is not just about documents; it is about crafting a legacy that reflects a client’s values while minimizing the burden of taxes and administration on future generations.

Specialized Trusts and Estates Practice

The firm concentrates exclusively on wealth planning and administration, allowing them to maintain a depth of knowledge that general practitioners cannot match.

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Estate Planning: Designing comprehensive plans using wills, revocable trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure assets are distributed according to the client’s wishes.
• Tax Planning: Implementing advanced strategies to minimize federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, often involving irrevocable trusts and lifetime gifting programs.
• Trust and Estate Administration: Guiding executors and trustees through the complex process of administering an estate, including the preparation of tax returns and accounting to beneficiaries.
• Fiduciary Litigation: Representing trustees, executors, or beneficiaries in disputes regarding the interpretation of wills or the mismanagement of trust assets.
• Business Succession: Assisting business owners in structuring the transition of their companies to family members or key employees.

A Team of Trusted Advisors

At Armstrong Bristow Farley & Schwarzschild PLC, the relationship with the client is paramount. They often serve as trusted advisors for families across multiple generations. In addition to their legal team, they employ experienced non-attorney professionals who assist with the day-to-day details of estate administration, ensuring that the process is efficient and cost-effective. Located on Libbie Avenue in the Near West End, their office offers a discreet and accessible setting for confidential discussions. If you are looking to find a lawyer who can handle the most complex financial and familial issues with discretion and technical mastery, this firm is the gold standard in Richmond.