A will provides control over who inherits your assets, names guardians for minor children, reduces uncertainty, and speeds up probate. It can also reflect charitable preferences, minimize taxes, and spare family members from lengthy disputes during a difficult time. Your plan remains current with life changes.
Choosing our firm means working with professionals who understand Maryland requirements, local probate practices, and family dynamics in Owings. We focus on clear documentation, transparent costs, and a respectful approach to protect your legacy.
During probate, the court supervises the transfer of assets according to the will. After debts and expenses are paid, beneficiaries receive their shares, and any disputes are resolved through appropriate channels.
A will is a document that takes effect after you pass away, naming beneficiaries and an executor to administer your estate through probate. A living trust, by contrast, holds assets during your lifetime and can allow assets to pass outside probate. Many people use both tools together, creating a will to handle items not in the trust and a trust to manage ongoing asset distribution. An attorney can tailor these strategies to Maryland law and your family needs.
Yes, it is possible to draft a will without an attorney, but doing so carries risk. Maryland requires proper execution, witnesses, and sometimes notarization. An attorney ensures compliance, addresses potential tax implications, guardianship provisions, and helps prevent mistakes that could invalidate the document.
Wills should be reviewed and updated after major life events or changes in laws. Regular updates help keep guardianship and asset distributions aligned with your current circumstances. Scheduling a periodic review with your wills attorney helps maintain a durable plan.
If you die without a will, Maryland law determines how your assets pass and who becomes the administrator. This process, called intestacy, may not reflect your wishes and can increase family disputes. A will provides clear instructions and helps your loved ones manage the estate.
Yes. You can amend or revoke a will, but the changes must follow legal requirements. Amendments, called codicils, should be executed with the same formality as the original document. A new will can also replace an old one if properly executed.
For your wills consultation, gather personal identification, lists of assets and debts, beneficiary names, guardian preferences, and any trust documents. Bring questions about guardianship, taxes, and potential charitable gifts to ensure the discussion covers your priorities.
probate timelines vary, but in Maryland, simple estates may move quickly while complex ones take longer. Factors include the court’s caseload, asset complexity, and whether there are disputes. Our firm can help you estimate timelines based on your situation.
Costs for drafting a will depend on complexity and resource needs. Some fees cover consultation, drafting, and execution, while more comprehensive plans may include trusts and healthcare directives. We provide transparent estimates and will discuss options during your initial meeting.
Yes. You can name guardians for your minor children in a will. This designation helps ensure your preferences are known and can be honored during administration, but guardianship may also require court approval and ongoing coordination with the estate plan.
A will remains valid if you are incapacitated at signing, provided you had the capacity when you signed and the document was properly executed. Provisions for incapacity, such as durable powers of attorney, can further protect you and your plans.
