A special needs trust is a special type of estate planning document designed to help special needs individuals. It's created specifically for those who have special needs, such as disabilities and mental impairments, that hinder their ability to work or save money....
Estate planning
Using an estate plan to keep wealth in the family
Most people in Maryland create an estate plan so that their wealth can go where they want it to go after they die. For many people, that’s to family members whom they care about. Here are some tips to increase the odds that the money you leave your loved ones won’t be...
Are transfer on death options a way to escape probate?
Probate could take more time than heirs expected, leaving many waiting for funds that could cover significant life expenses. Estate planners may worry about how much time, cost, and stress might burden beneficiaries, so they could explore transfer on death (TOD)...
Plan your estate to benefit your family
If you're creating a will, it may be beneficial to meet with an estate attorney and accountant to sort through complicated estate planning issues. You want to make sure your family benefits from your estate rather than losing property to taxes or estranged relatives....
Estate planning and blended families
Blended families are becoming more common in Maryland and across the United States, which is creating some new concerns when it comes to certain issues. For example, estate planning is more complicated for blended families than for traditional ones. Thinking through...
Charley Pride’s son files suit to contest will
Creating a will is one part of the estate planning process and is often considered the most important part of getting your affairs in order. When someone dies with a will in place, it is assumed that the estate plan documents will be able to settle any disputes that...
How can I convince a loved one to make an estate plan?
After all of things that have happened over the past year and a half, the one thing that most of us have come to the realization of is that we all need an estate plan. And, we need one now. Unfortunately, not everyone in our family may have discovered this, so many of...
When should a person update their estate plan?
Executing an estate plan is an important step toward taking control of one’s end of life planning. Through an estate plan, a Maryland resident can explain how they want their assets and property divided amongst their loved ones, friends, and even charitable...
The purpose of a special needs trust
Taking care of a family member who has special needs requires a unique kind of care and devotion from those who want the best possible quality for their loved ones. But with all of the focus and attention on present needs, the caregiver can overlook the necessity of...
Why estate planning should be a priority for all adults
Estate planning is a heavy concept. It carries with it the understanding that the preparer of the plan and documents will eventually die. For some Baltimore residents, considering their own mortality is too much. But it should not be a permanent bar to preventing a...
