Having a clear will reduces family conflict, accelerates probate, and protects assets for the people you care about most. It also gives you control over guardianship decisions for minor children, assists with tax planning, and provides peace of mind knowing your instructions will be followed.
Choosing our firm means working with a team that communicates clearly, explains options in plain language, and respects your priorities. We tailor wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship provisions to your situation and goals.
Secure storage and ongoing review. We discuss safe storage options, such as safe deposit boxes or digital vaults, and schedule periodic reviews to keep your plan aligned with life changes and evolving laws.
While laws vary by state, having a will is highly recommended to guide asset distribution and appoint an executor. Without a will, state law determines who inherits, which may not reflect your preferences. Creating a will gives you control, minimizes disputes, and can coordinate guardianship and healthcare choices in one cohesive document, reducing confusion for your loved ones during probate.
Probate is the legal process that validates a will and oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s property. It can take months and incur costs, but a well-drafted will can streamline the process. Working with a wills attorney helps ensure your plan aligns with Maryland rules, reduces unnecessary court steps, and clearly names beneficiaries, guardians, and executors. Proactive planning saves time and preserves family harmony.
Update your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or a move to a new state. Changes in assets or family circumstances can create mismatches that a simple update can fix. Regular reviews with an attorney help ensure provisions stay aligned with current laws, beneficiaries, and goals, particularly when preparing for retirement or addressing elder care duties.
While probate may involve court records, the specifics of how assets are allocated can be kept private through careful drafting and use of trusts where appropriate. Discuss privacy goals with your attorney to balance transparency for probate with confidentiality for sensitive information.
A living will is a separate document that addresses medical care decisions if you cannot communicate. It complements a traditional will by guiding health care choices while your estate plan handles asset distribution. Discuss your wishes with your attorney to confirm you have coordinated documents that work together, including guardianship and durable powers of attorney for medical decisions.
Probate costs vary by estate size and court fees. They can include filing, executor compensation, and attorney fees. A solid plan may reduce these expenses by minimizing contested issues. We guide clients to align documents with realistic budgets, choose cost-effective methods, and prepare for a smoother probate process.
Disinheritance rules vary by state and family circumstances. A will can limit or omit a beneficiary, but there may be statutory rights or challenges, especially for spouses, children, or dependent adults. Consulting an attorney helps you navigate these complexities and craft a plan that reflects your intentions while protecting vulnerable parties.
Bring any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, as well as an asset inventory, debts, and recent tax information. This helps the attorney assess your current plan and identify gaps. Having documents ready speeds up drafting and ensures the meeting focuses on tailoring provisions to your family.
Drafting a will typically takes a few weeks from intake to final execution, depending on how quickly you decide on key terms, guardian appointments, and tax considerations. With clear guidance and document preparation, most clients complete drafts within 2-4 weeks, allowing time for review, revisions, and signing.
Most wills require witnesses and sometimes notarization to satisfy state standards. We guide you through the process, ensuring witnesses sign correctly and that the document is properly executed. We coordinate with local notaries and ensure all forms, signatures, and dates meet legal requirements, reducing the chance of delays during probate.
