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
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?
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?
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)
