
About
Joseph T. "Chip" Buxton is a native of Newport News and the Founder of TrustBuilders Law Group. He began private practice in 1978 after several years as Associate General Counsel and Corporate Attorney with Newport News Shipbuilding. After nearly four decades of practice, he remains widely regarded as one of the most experienced attorneys in the state in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and trust administration.
Mr. Buxton received his B.A. from Denison University and his J.D from The College of William and Mary. He is a graduate of the Navy’s Officer Candidate School and the U.S. Naval Justice School and holds the rank of Commander, USNR (Ret.). Mr. Buxton is a member of the Virginia and Florida Bars and the past President of the Tidewater Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the Peninsula Estate Planning Council, and the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. And past member of the Board of Governors for the Virginia Senior Lawyer Conference.
Mr. Buxton is most proud of his advocacy to the Peninsula’s aging community. He is one of less than six hundred attorneys in the country accredited as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (C.E.L.A) by the National Elder Law Foundation. He has been actively involved in the Virginia Law Foundation’s Division of Continued Legal Education as an advocate, teacher, and is a co-author of its Elder Law manual.Over the years, Mr. Buxton has been appointed to several judicial and academic positions including Commissioner in Chancery for the Middlesex Circuit Court, Escheator for Middlesex County, and served as adjunct law professor (Advanced Estate Planning) at the Regent University School of Law.
Mr. Buxton is joined in the practice by his son, Wake Buxton, and daughter-in-law, Lori Buxton. He and his wife, Mary Wakefield Buxton, a published author, and columnist, live in Urbanna, Virginia.

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We recently had our trust developed with the TrustBuilders Law Group. WOW! What a wonderful experience. They are an extremely professional group. What I appreciated the most was their guidance and patience as we talked through the process. No stone was left unturned – and trust me we rolled over the same stone many times. Each time they offered their wisdom to help us to determine the right path. It took us awhile to think through the details and they gave of their time freely. I would highly recommend them to anyone. I would also encourage others to not wait to begin thinking about the details of your future. TrustBuilders is the firm to do it right.- Larry
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Our family has been working with TrustBuilders Law Group for many years. We take great comfort in knowing our estate planning is in expert hands. They are always knowledgeable regarding any changes impacting our planning, and we rely on them to keep us up to date and protected. Friendly staff with expertise in many areas. Highly recommend!- Katherine Horner
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Very knowledgeable and friendly. Attorney Buxton and Carlos are great. They take the time to assess your family's needs and customize a plan right for you. They welcome all questions and make sure you are comfortable with their services. No pressure to buy something you don't really need.- Carolyn E. Blakeney
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I set up a will, trust, and medical directive. Three visits and it was all done. Effective and at reasonable fees.- Glen Braden


Why Choose TrustBuilders Law Group?
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A Family Name That You Can Trust
The Buxton Family has been serving greater Hampton Roads in law or medicine for over 100 years. We are a 5th generation family committed to supporting the local community. Let our family legacy help build your family legacy.
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A Price You Can Afford
TrustBuilders Law Group takes pride in offering modern estate planning at affordable prices. Our plans are prepared at a competitive, value-based flat-fee so you will never have to worry about hourly rates surprise bills.
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A Staff With Experience and Credentials
TrustBuilders Law Group has one of the most experienced legal teams in the area. In addition to over 100 years of combined experience, we are the only firm in Hampton Roads with both a Master of Laws in estate planning and Certified Elder Law Attorney on staff.
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A Plan With Your Goals in Mind
TrustBuilders Law Group specializes in creating custom estate plans that focus on your wealth preservations goals. Unlike many boilerplates seen in the marketplace, our documents are state specific, tailored to your needs and contain cutting-edge solutions.
