A pour-over will helps ensure that assets not already placed in a trust flow into the trust upon death, simplifying administration and protecting beneficiaries’ interests. It offers privacy, potential tax advantages, and a coordinated approach when combined with advancement directives and durable powers of attorney.
By aligning assets with a trust, probate steps are minimized and privacy is preserved. A cohesive framework reduces public disclosure and provides beneficiaries with quicker access to assets, while maintaining oversight through the trust mechanism.
Choosing our firm means partnering with lawyers who combine thorough planning with a client-centered approach. We take the time to understand your goals, educate you about options, and craft a customized strategy that fits your family, finances, and timeline in Maryland.
We verify execution requirements, provide copies to trustees, and establish safeguards such as periodic reviews and notification procedures to ensure your plan remains effective over time.
A pour-over will is a traditional will that directs assets not yet funded into a living trust to transfer into that trust upon death. This approach helps unify your estate and reduces complexity during probate, while preserving control over distributions and future changes to plans. It works best when paired with a funded trust.
Assets typically funded into a trust include real estate titled in the trust, bank accounts with named trustees, investment accounts, and tangible personal property. Beneficiary designations should be aligned with the trust, while retirement assets may require separate coordination. Regular fundings keep the plan up to date.
In Maryland, a pour-over will can reduce probate steps by directing assets into the trust. However, some assets must still pass through probate if they are not funded or titled properly. Proper planning minimizes court involvement and preserves privacy for the remainder of the estate.
The trustee manages the trust, while the executor handles probate-related tasks. In many cases, individuals name the same person to fulfill both roles, or designate alternates to ensure smooth administration. Choose trusted, organized, and financially prudent individuals who understand your goals.
Costs vary based on complexity, assets, and jurisdiction. Typical expenses include drafting, trust funding, and periodic reviews. We provide clear estimates up front and discuss potential updates or changes that may affect pricing as your plan evolves.
Yes. Pour-over wills and trusts can be updated after signing to reflect life events, changes in assets, or shifts in goals. Schedule regular reviews with your attorney to adjust beneficiaries, trustees, and terms while preserving the overall estate strategy.
Yes. Placing assets in a trust and using a pour-over will can offer privacy advantages by limiting public probate records. This approach also enables centralized control of distributions, which can reduce disputes among family members and enhance efficiency.
If you don’t fund the trust, assets may pass through probate or be governed by the will alone. This can increase costs, lengthen the process, and reduce privacy. Proper funding ensures the trust controls asset distributions where intended.
Estate plans should be reviewed at least every few years or after major life events such as marriage, birth, divorce, relocation, or changes in asset holdings. Regular reviews keep documents compliant with current laws and aligned with evolving family circumstances.
To begin, contact our Andrews AFB office for an initial consultation. We will outline your goals, collect pertinent information, and explain the steps to draft a pour-over will and associated trust documents. You’ll receive a clear plan and a timeline for next steps.
