Owning a business represents years of hard work, planning, and commitment. For many Maryland business owners, creating a plan for the future is an important step in protecting what they have built. A business succession plan outlines what may happen if an owner retires, transfers ownership, becomes unable to manage the company, or decides to sell. Without a clear plan, families, employees, and … [Read more...] about Business Succession Planning Attorney for Maryland Business Owners
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Maryland Asset Protection Planning Before Retirement
Life rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Many people spend decades saving for retirement, paying off a home, and building financial security with the expectation that they'll enjoy those years later in life. But what if something unexpected happens before you reach retirement? A sudden illness, disability, accident, or lawsuit can change your financial picture overnight. While no one likes to … [Read more...] about Maryland Asset Protection Planning Before Retirement
This Holiday Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Peace of Mind
As we reach the end of the year, I find myself struggling with the age-old question, what am I going to get my parents for the holidays this year? Each year, this question becomes increasingly challenging. I know that as my parents have gotten older, they have gotten less interested in tangible things. At this point, they enjoy spending time with family more than they do any tangible personal … [Read more...] about This Holiday Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Peace of Mind
Understanding the Maryland Medicaid Application: Planned or Urgent We Can Help
If you or a loved one is considering applying for Medicaid in Maryland, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls that can delay or derail the process. Medicaid can provide essential long-term care coverage, but navigating the application process requires careful planning and attention to detail—especially when dealing with complex … [Read more...] about Understanding the Maryland Medicaid Application: Planned or Urgent We Can Help
Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements – The Importance of being on the same page
Speaking plainly, getting married is quite a hefty process. Through the thick of it all (planning the reception, ceremony, catering, honeymoon, etc.), there is one overarching factor that should be addressed when making such a large commitment – are we on the same page when it comes to our assets and finances? A phrase that may float around throughout the process could be “pre-nup” or “post-nup” … [Read more...] about Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements – The Importance of being on the same page
Wills Gone Wild; Strange and Funny Bequests from History
Your estate plan is a great place to show your personality and what’s important to you. While estate planning is considered serious and necessary, you can still have fun with it, other people sure have. People have bequeathed their entire wardrobe, a collection of spoons, or even a lifetime supply of chocolate. Someone else might leave a fortune to their beloved cat or dog while including … [Read more...] about Wills Gone Wild; Strange and Funny Bequests from History
Can I Do It Myself? Understanding the Risks and Realities of DIY Estate Administration?
So, your beloved Aunt Mildred has passed, left behind a mystery drawer full of old baubles, three cats with names longer than your resume, and – oh yes – an entire estate. And now you’re wondering: “Can I do this myself? Like, without a lawyer? Or a meltdown?” First of all, what is estate administration? In non-lawyer words, estate administration is what happens when someone dies and leaves … [Read more...] about Can I Do It Myself? Understanding the Risks and Realities of DIY Estate Administration?
Heir Traffic: The Intestate Jam
If you pass without a will or trust in Maryland, who will inherit your assets? Without proper estate planning, state laws will determine who receives your assets with a predetermined hierarchy. This process is known as intestate succession. Intestate succession may want to be avoided for many reasons since intestate succession does not recognize a number of scenarios such as blended families, … [Read more...] about Heir Traffic: The Intestate Jam
What Can We All Learn from Hulk Hogan’s Estate
Terry Gene Bollea, better known as WWE Superstar Hulk Hogan, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Though he could have consulted experts in the field of estate planning, it seems Hulk Hogan faced several Estate planning challenges that many average people face. First, Hogan's Estate is being handled through a public proceeding known as probate. While an estate is going through … [Read more...] about What Can We All Learn from Hulk Hogan’s Estate
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Start Estate Planning?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to begin your estate planning journey, it likely already is. Estate planning is often seen as a task for the wealthy or the elderly — but the truth is, everyone can benefit from having a plan in place. Many people delay this important step, unsure about when the right time is to start. Here are some key indicators to know when the time is right: 1. … [Read more...] about How Do I Know When It’s Time to Start Estate Planning?
Adoption and the Maryland Inheritance Tax
Maryland is the only state remaining where residents are subject to three death taxes: the Maryland estate tax, the federal estate tax, and the Maryland inheritance tax. The Maryland inheritance tax is especially tricky. It is an antiquated law, and while there have been carve outs added over the years to exempt groups like lineal descendants and, most recently, registered domestic partners, it … [Read more...] about Adoption and the Maryland Inheritance Tax
Power of Attorney – How Vital Are They?
A power of attorney is a staple to have within a proper estate plan. Without them, there’s no telling who could be put in charge of your belongings and care in a time of incapacitation. The alternative, a court supervised guardianship proceeding, is an expensive and time-consuming procedure that is one to avoid whenever possible. There are two main types of powers of attorney - health and … [Read more...] about Power of Attorney – How Vital Are They?
Does your family know about your hidden treasures?
Many of our clients have collections they are proud of. Some of those items may not look special, but hold a significant financial value. We once had a client receive a painting from his grandmother with no supporting information. It wasn’t till later in his life, when he was doing his own estate planning, that he learned that the painting was worth upwards of a million dollars. Some people … [Read more...] about Does your family know about your hidden treasures?
Preparing to Review your Estate Plan
When thinking about the estate plan you set up five, ten or twenty years ago, you might be overwhelmed with how much has changed in your life and how much your documents may need to be updated. When coming in to review your estate plan, whether you are already a client of ours or you are coming in to meet with us for the first time, there are some things that you can do ahead of time to … [Read more...] about Preparing to Review your Estate Plan
The Perfect Gift for your College Bound Freshman? It may not be what you think.
As summer draws to an end, many parents and grandparents are selecting gifts for loved ones headed off to college. While many consider new computers, phones, or tablets, one gift that is overlooked is a Power of Attorney. I know, this probably isn’t the gift they are hoping for, but it may be the gift that they need. Most departing freshman have recently turned 18 years old. For the first … [Read more...] about The Perfect Gift for your College Bound Freshman? It may not be what you think.
Estate Planning Lessons from Naruto (Yes, Really)
You don’t need to be a ninja to learn something from Naruto—one of the most popular anime series in the world. While the show is packed with battles, ancient rivalries, and magic-like “chakra,” it also contains surprisingly useful lessons about estate planning and estate administration. Here’s what Naruto (and a few of its more dramatic characters) can teach you about smart, responsible … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Lessons from Naruto (Yes, Really)
Why Do Heirs Prefer Trusts?
Many individuals desire to have an efficient administration of their possessions and assets when they pass away. We all know there may be complexities in handling an estate after death, but most families want privacy and peace. Creating a trust will help provide your heirs or beneficiaries their inheritance in an effective manner. Trusts provide important protection for you and your loved ones … [Read more...] about Why Do Heirs Prefer Trusts?
