About The Bowman Firm
We believe estate planning should empower, not confuse. As a Northern Virginia-based firm, our mission is to provide clear, strategic guidance that helps families make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes, so their plan works exactly as intended. While many families may need a similar set of documents to form a comprehensive estate plan, each document is unique and drafted with provisions that are specifically tailored to you and your situation.
A calm, trustworthy resource for Virginia families
Estate planning is not only about documents—it is about clarity, continuity, and protecting the people you love. Through this site, The Bowman Firm shares straightforward explanations and practical next steps to help you make confident decisions about your will, trust planning, probate, and incapacity planning.
Our approach
Clear guidance, grounded in Virginia law
We focus on plain-language education and real-world planning. Whether you are starting with a simple will or considering a trust-based plan, our goal is to help you understand your options, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with peace of mind.
Education that supports better planning
Our weekly articles cover wills and trusts, probate and estate administration, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives—so you can recognize issues early and take action at the right time.
What we write about
Estate planning topics, explained
Explore the core building blocks of a strong plan—written for Virginia individuals and families.
Wills & Trusts
Understand how wills and trusts work, when each is appropriate, and how to keep your plan aligned with your goals.
Probate & Administration
Practical guidance for executors and families, including timelines, court steps, and common questions.
Incapacity Planning
Learn how powers of attorney and advance medical directives help ensure decisions can be made smoothly if you cannot act.
Mary Ellen Bowman
Founder & Principal Estate Planning Attorney | The Bowman Law Firm
About Me
Your Estate Planning Attorney
With nearly two decades of legal experience, I bring a thoughtful, practical approach to estate planning. After earning my undergraduate degree in physics and my J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law, I’ve dedicated my career to helping families prepare for the unexpected and protect what matters most. I’m passionate about guiding clients through the planning process with clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to their peace of mind. I am licensed to practice law in Virginia and Alabama, and am a member of the Trusts and Estates section and Taxation Law section of the Virginia State Bar.
Client-centered planning
What to expect
A straightforward process, plain-language explanations, and recommendations tailored to your goals and family situation.
Virginia-focused insights
Local perspective
Articles and resources designed for Virginia residents, reflecting common planning needs and questions.
★★★★★
““The articles are clear, practical, and reassuring—exactly what you want when you are making important decisions for your family.””
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Get personalized estate planning guidance
If you would like help with wills, trusts, probate, or incapacity planning in Virginia, connect with Bowman Firm through our main website.