A special needs trust often serves as a lifeline for individuals with disabilities or impairing health conditions, making it essential based on the circumstances. Parents who establish these trusts for their children may need to choose another person to be a trustee,...
Maryland Estate Planning Law Blog
What incidents can lead to claims against trustees?
Trustees have significant responsibilities in any type of trust, such as managing and administering assets. Some might consider their tasks mainly administrative, but their duties can pose vital implications for the trust's grantor and beneficiaries, often involving...
Securing a loved one’s needs: Establishing a special needs trust
Estate planning tools like special needs trusts provide immense relief to families facing concerns about the legal and financial security of a loved one with special needs. Specifically, this tool provides special needs individuals with long-term necessary resources...
What programs exist to protect elder rights?
The law has provisions protecting vulnerable Americans nationwide, including elders or older adults. Time and time again, this group can become the target of various forms of exploitation and abuse. Legal solutions, such as guardianships and powers of attorney, can...
Crucial estate planning tips for Maryland residents
Estate planning is the process of making arrangements for the management and disposal of your assets after you pass. To make your plan foolproof, here are some tips to keep in mind. Take inventory of all your assets You should have an account of everything you own at...
What examples of guardianship abuse can require urgent action?
Guardianship is a setup that can protect an individual from endangerment often associated with incapacity. These risks can happen due to the ward's inability to make significant health or financial decisions for themselves. A guardian could responsibly take over, but...
Long-term care plan: Mandatory vs. optional benefits of Medicaid
Preparing for your long-term care is a good practice, especially if you are planning to secure benefits from the government. During the process, you have to carefully prepare your application to maximize the benefits you can get to assist you with paying for your...
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
When you begin estate planning, you will run into several terms you may not be familiar with, and the two most common terms will be will and trust. Both are Maryland estate planning legal tools, but how are they different, and how can you use them? A will, generally A...
What are the two types of public guardianship in Maryland?
Public guardianship is a law-enforced arrangement that gives another person or party the responsibility to make decisions for you, including concerns about your property or personal welfare. In Maryland, this program is open to elders at least 65 years old,...
Minimizing conflict when creating an estate plan
Family dynamics can make estate planning complicated, even if you don't think that you have a lot of assets to distribute. However, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your Maryland home, a bank account or other possessions can be allocated without...