Services
As an estate planning attorney the focus on my practice is drafting wills and trusts. The process involves more than entering your personal information into a computer program that generates legal documents. My goal is to guide you through the complicated web of estate laws, beneficiary rules, and tax laws. The end result is that you can control your property while you are alive, provide for your needs in the event you are disabled, and transfer your assets upon death to whom you desire with a minimum of government interference, fees, taxes, and family strife in the process. By getting to know you, your family, and often your financial adviser and Certified Public Accountant our firm can build a personalized plan based on your unique circumstances.
Upon death some estate administration is required. Our firm is ready to help you through the process. Some firms emphasize planning to avoid Probate at all costs only to find their claims undone by a small rebate of an insurance premium or a refund on a medical expense. A large Probate Estate can be avoided with proper planning, but trusts still need to be setup upon death, income taxes paid, and estate tax returns may need to be filed. Proper administration ensures that your wishes are carried out exactly as planned
As an estate planning and administration firm there are many related services that we offer our clients. We can setup a Special Needs Trust to ensure that receipt of an inheritance by a disabled child does not cause the recipient to lose governmental benefits which often includes a living arrangements in sponsored housing. We can help you maximize your charitable giving by setting up Charitable Remainder Trusts or even advising when on a Private Foundation is appropriate. Prenuptial agreements are enforceable in Maryland provided all assets are made known to both parties and the agreement is entered into freely. Their use is especially appropriate in a second marriage where both parties want their property to eventually pass to their own children. Another tool our office uses is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust which removes the life insurance proceeds from your estate. This tool may become even more popular if the Federal Estate Tax exemption amount drops from $5,000,000 to $1,000,000 in 2013 as the legislation currently stands. We continue to monitor the tax law changes and stand ready to help you adapt to the changes.
