Drafting a will ensures your instructions are clear, minimizing family disagreements and potential delays in probate. It lets you name trusted executors and guardians, allocate assets according to your priorities, and pair your will with advance directives to guide medical decisions when you cannot speak for yourself.
Long-term stability is enhanced when your documents reflect current goals and laws. A robust plan helps reduce family disagreements and ensures your wishes are carried out even if circumstances change unexpectedly.
Our firm brings a practical, results-focused approach to estate planning in Havre de Grace. We work with you to protect your assets, name guardians, and plan for future needs, while keeping costs predictable and timelines realistic.
Life evolves, and so should your will. We assist with codicils or new wills when relationships, assets, or priorities shift, ensuring your wishes remain current and enforceable.
A will helps you decide who inherits your assets and who manages the estate. It names an executor, appoints guardians for minor children, and can address special bequests. A clear will reduces the likelihood of disputes and streamlines probate for your loved ones.
An executor is the person responsible for settling the estate based on the will’s instructions. This role requires reliability, organization, and the ability to communicate with beneficiaries and creditors.
Probate is the court process that validates a will and oversees the distribution of assets. It ensures debts are paid and beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to under the will.
Yes. You can change or revoke a will anytime, provided you follow legal formalities. A new will or codicil updates your previous instructions.
While you can draft a will without a lawyer, professional guidance helps ensure validity and clarity, reducing disputes. A lawyer can tailor provisions to your circumstances and assist with guardianship and complex assets.
Wills specify distributions, while trusts manage assets during life and after death. Trusts can avoid probate, provide for special needs, and offer greater control over when and how assets are distributed.
Review your will after major life events such as marriage, birth, divorce, or relocation. These changes may require updates to guardianship, asset distributions, or executor choices.
After signing, keep the original document in a safe place and provide copies to your executor and a trusted advisor. Teach family members where the will is stored and how to access it if needed.
Costs vary based on complexity and location. Many attorneys offer a flat fee for basic wills, with additional charges for more complex planning.
A will is usually accompanied by powers of attorney, advance directives, and guardian designations. These documents work together to govern medical decisions, financial management, and child custody if you are unable to act.
