people

Stephen D. Burns

Steve focuses his law practice on guardianship and conservatorship, estate planning and administration, special needs planning, and other fiduciary matters. He is qualified to serve as guardian ad litem and frequently serves in that capacity throughout central Virginia.
 
Steve has guided hundreds of individuals and families through the guardianship and conservatorship process, prepared comprehensive estate planning documents, advised families on asset management for their special needs child, and prepared special needs trusts to protect assets and to insure adults with disabilities retain their eligibility for benefits. He regularly serves as a fiduciary – administering estates as executor or administrator, serving as conservator, and serving as trustee.
 
Steve identified his passion for his practice area through the Special Olympics. His work with individuals and families in the special needs community led him, in 2012, to join a well-established law firm in Arlington that concentrated in elder law and related practice areas. The partners at this firm generously served as mentors.
 
Steve relocated to Richmond in 2016 so that his spouse could start her own successful business. They have three children. Even with a busy life at home and at work, Steve remains committed to the community. He is a past board member of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) and is co-chair of the VAELA Public Policy Committee. He tracks legislation, confers with legislators, and testifies before the General Assembly. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) recognized Steve as the 2020 Virginia Chapter Member of the Year. Steve is a past board member for Commonwealth Community Trust, a pooled special needs trust. He is a member of the Special Needs Alliance, a national organization of attorneys dedicated to special needs planning.
Stephen D. Burns

Practice Areas

  • Elder Law & Special Needs Planning
  • Estate Planning, Fiduciary & Estate Administration

Education

Catholic University, Columbus School of Law (2007)  JD, cum laude

Wake Forest University (2002)

Served as a staff member and editorial assistant for The Catholic University Law Review

Special Needs Alliance, member

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, member

Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, past Board Member and Co-Chair of Public Policy Committee

Commonwealth Community Trust, past Board Member

Admitted to practice in Virginia

Contact

sburns@lawpsb.com

804.417.6529

Testimonials

“Working with Steven Burns was easy. He is informative, responsive, respectful and knowledgeable. With every interaction, I felt seen and heard.”

“I highly recommend Park Sensenig for estate planning. Stephen Burns is wonderful; he is professional, down to earth, and dedicated to his clients.” ~ LL

“Working with Steve over the past few years has been a positive experience. Professional, knowledgeable, responds quickly, and just easy to talk to. Highly recommended.” ~ A

“I am 110% relieved and Steven Burns, Park Sensenig, was the reason! All together – a wonderful and stress relieving process.” ~ NO

“Stephen Burns has earned our respect for his expertise and patience while navigating our circumstances to provide us guidance forward.” ~ NB

“Stephen and his firm are very professional, attentive, and easy to work with. They take great care of their clients and go above and beyond when necessary. I highly recommend working with them!” ~ MK

“My husband and I hired Stephen Burns to create a family trust, a special needs trust and wills for our family. Stephen and his staff were wonderful to work with from beginning to end. We were very pleased with the entire process (communication, speed and cost).” ~ AP