Joseph Buxton III, Esq. Photo

Joseph T. Buxton III, Esq.

Founder and Chairman

Certified Elder Law Attorney

(NAELA)
  • Profile

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.

The Stories That Matter

Hear What People Say About Working With Us
  • TrustBuilders is the firm to do it right.

    “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 ...”

    - Larry
  • Friendly staff with expertise in many areas. Highly recommend!

    “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 ...”

    - Katherine Horner
  • They take the time to assess your family's needs and customize a plan right for you.

    “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 ...”

    - Carolyn E. Blakeney
  • Three visits and it was all done!

    “I set up a will, trust, and medical directive. Three visits and it was all done. Effective and at reasonable fees.”

    - Glen Braden
  • Wake, you are an "encyclopedia" of estate planning information!

    “Just returned from an excellent session held at the Smithfield Station Conference Center in Smithfield, VA. Presented by Wake (who was assisted by Carlos) the information was presented clearly and ...”

    - Sandra Spivey
/

Learn Why People Have Trusted Our Firm for Decades

Committed to Our Community
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

Contact TrustBuilders Law Group Today 

Caring For Virginia Peninsula Families For Over 100 Years
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.