Having a proper will helps ensure your possessions go to the people you care about most, reduces potential disputes, and can streamline probate proceedings. It provides clear instructions about guardianship for minors, names an executor to manage affairs, and can minimize taxes and administrative costs. Working with a local Wills attorney helps tailor solutions to Maryland law.
Clarity and control over asset distribution prevent family conflicts and streamline administration during probate, providing a smoother experience for heirs and executors when the time comes.
Hatcher Legal brings practical experience, local insight, and a collaborative approach to estate planning. We work with you to tailor documents that reflect your values, protect beneficiaries, and facilitate a smooth probate process.
We coordinate with executors and guardians to ensure a smooth transition and minimize delays in probate and asset distribution.
A will directs asset distribution, names guardians for dependents, and appoints an executor to administer your estate after death. Having a clear will reduces ambiguity, supports family harmony, and streamlines probate. If your situation is straightforward, a simple will may meet your needs, but more complex families often benefit from integrated planning with trusts and powers of attorney. Our team can help you determine the best approach.
An executor should be someone you trust to manage finances, handle paperwork, and communicate with beneficiaries. This person can be a family member, friend, or a professional advisor. It’s important to discuss responsibilities with potential executors and designate a substitute if the primary choice is unavailable, ensuring your wishes are carried out smoothly.
Yes. Wills can be updated to reflect changes in addresses, family dynamics, and financial circumstances. We recommend periodic reviews and updates after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or relocation to ensure the document remains aligned with your intentions and current law.
Dying without a will triggers intestate succession laws, which determine asset distribution without your input. This often leads to outcomes you might not anticipate and can cause delays. Creating a will gives you control, reduces potential disputes, and simplifies administration for your heirs.
Probate duration varies by complexity, assets, and court schedules. Simple estates with clear titles can conclude in a few months, while larger or multi-state matters may take longer. Our team helps streamline the process by ensuring complete documentation, timely filings, and proactive communication with the court.
A trust is not always necessary, but it can offer ongoing management, privacy, and tax advantages for certain estates. Whether to use a trust depends on asset types, goals, and family structure. We tailor guidance to your situation and help you weigh benefits against costs.
Guardians are chosen based on the values you want for your children and the guardians’ ability to provide care. It’s wise to discuss preferences with potential guardians, consider alternates, and formalize the choice in your will to ensure your wishes are respected if both parents are unavailable.
Bring identification, a list of assets, real estate details, beneficiary designations, existing wills or trusts, and any questions about guardianship or tax concerns. If you have specific family planning goals, note them so we can tailor the documents accordingly.
Digital assets require careful planning. We can designate who owns online accounts, passwords, digital photographs, and crypto assets, and decide how these items should be managed or transferred. We also address privacy and accessibility considerations for your heirs.
Fees vary with the complexity of the documents and whether related estate planning tools (trusts, powers of attorney) are included. We provide transparent pricing and a clear scope of work before drafting. You’ll receive a detailed estimate during the initial consultation.
