These trusts help you maintain control over assets during life, provide privacy by avoiding public probate records, and simplify the transfer of wealth to beneficiaries after death. They also offer flexibility to modify or revoke terms as circumstances change.
A comprehensive revocable trust typically avoids probate and keeps distributions private, reducing public exposure and potential delays. This streamlines administration for loved ones and maintains continuity if you become incapacitated.
Choosing the right attorney makes a difference in the clarity and durability of your plan. We take time to listen, tailor documents to Maryland law, and coordinate funding with financial accounts, so your trust operates as intended.
We outline next steps, answer questions, and provide timelines for signing, funding, and future reviews. Clear guidance helps you feel confident about your plan and its ability to protect loved ones.
A revocable living trust is a trust you create during life and can modify or revoke at any time. It provides control over how assets are managed and distributed, while offering privacy and potential probate avoidance for funded assets. You remain the grantor and trustee while alive.\n\nUnlike irrevocable trusts, a revocable trust does not permanently remove assets from your taxable estate. It simplifies administration for loved ones and can help coordinate future incapacity planning without court involvement.
Assets must be titled in the name of the trust to be governed by its terms. Commonly funded items include real estate deeds, bank accounts, and investment accounts. Without proper funding, the trust cannot control those assets.\n\nBeneficiary designations and payable-on-death designations should be coordinated with the trust to avoid conflicts. We guide you through the funding checklist and assist with transfers to ensure your plan works as intended.
Choosing a trustee is about trustworthiness, availability, and financial acumen. You may designate a family member, a trusted friend, or an institutional trustee to manage assets in line with the trust terms.\nThe successor trustee assumes responsibility after your death or incapacity, ensuring continuity and faithful administration for beneficiaries.
Assets funded into the trust typically include real estate, bank and investment accounts, and valuable personal property. Some items may function better outside the trust, so we tailor funding to balance efficiency and protection.\nWe provide a funding checklist and assist with transfers to ensure the trust governs the assets as intended.
A pour-over will transfers assets not already funded into the trust upon death, ensuring they pass under the trust terms. It works with the trust to complete your overall plan and minimize unintended distributions.\nThis instrument helps align all assets with your long-term goals.
Incapacity planning integrates durable powers of attorney and advance directives with the trust. If you become unable to manage affairs, a trusted successor can step in to handle finances and healthcare decisions in accordance with your preferences.\nThe trust complements these documents to provide seamless management.
Costs vary based on complexity, asset size, and funding needs. We provide transparent pricing and explain what is included, from drafting to funding.\nWe aim to offer practical, affordable solutions that meet your goals without unnecessary complexity.
The timeline depends on your readiness and asset readiness for funding. Typical steps include a consultation, drafting, review, signing, and funding. We guide you through each stage to keep you informed.\nDelays are uncommon when documents and assets are prepared in advance.
Upon the grantor’s death, assets held in the trust pass to beneficiaries according to the trust terms, often without probate. This can reduce delays and maintain privacy.\nThe successor trustee takes over administration and ensures an orderly transfer of remaining assets.
A revocable living trust remains flexible; you can revoke or amend it at any time while you are capable. We guide you through updating terms, trustees, and funding as life changes occur.\nNo gentleman’s agreement is needed because your documents reflect your current wishes.
