Category: Estate Planning

Everyone needs an estate plan regardless of age, marital status, economic bracket, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Everyone in Maryland benefits by having a will, a trusts that may be relevant to their specific needs, and a professional probate administrator to assist the executor of their will. However, there are a number of particular scenarios… Continued

A new law (Senate Bill 192/House Bill B99) also known as an Augmented Estate Law, was signed into law by Governor Hogan effective October 1st, 2020. This law will likely have a profound impact on the finances of certain married couples, especially blended families or couples who have previous children, by another marriage.  The new… Continued

Are funeral home prices rising? It’s difficult to answer this question because funeral homes do not publish their prices online or anywhere else. That may change soon, as federal regulators are scheduled to look into the rule that governs how funeral homes publically share pricing information, according to the New York Times. Many consumer advocacy… Continued

When a loved family member dies, there are a wide variety of emotions and decisions that must be made.  The circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one may be sudden or long-term.  Regardless, the death of a loved one is often the hardest thing that any of us ever have to deal with.  While… Continued

When someone passes away and you are serving as the executor or personal representative, one of the most critical tasks is correctly filing estate tax. A professional estate administrator such as an attorney is highly recommended for this and the many other complex aspects of estate administration. Maryland estate tax is different than most other… Continued

Chances are that most people do not start thinking about estate planning until they are in their 40s and 50s. After all, by the age of 50, the average American has acquired or is close to acquiring his or her maximum net wealth and is reaching an age when medical issues are starting to become… Continued

As retirement approaches, your mind may start wandering off to a warm beach, an isolated lake surrounded by wilderness, or downsizing to a small condominium and moving to be close to your children. The majority of people who reach the age of 61 say that they feel free to choose where they want to live,… Continued

A Prince George’s County, Maryland, couple was killed by the driver of an SUV, who impatiently crossed the center yellow divider to pass two vehicles, then returned to the proper lane when it struck the couple’s car. The 31-year-old mother and 34-year-old-father left behind three young children. They were running an errand for some last… Continued

According to Forbes, one of the most common mistakes made during estate administration is failing to buy or sell securities during a good market (bull market) or bad market (bear market). For estate administrators who do not have experience in the stock market, this duty can be particularly challenging. However, it is the estate administrator’s… Continued

Leaving behind money to your family, friends and other loved ones is a satisfying option for those with property to leave behind when they pass. However, for those with considerable assets, your property may be taxed heavily by the federal government if you do not take the appropriate estate planning steps to avoid excessive taxation.… Continued