"The Importance of Being Earnest (And Funding Your Trust)" by Attorney Beth Burgee (Audio) In the world of both estate planning and Oscar Wilde’s iconic play “The Importance of Being Earnest,” there’s an undeniable thread of careful planning and the pursuit of a well-orchestrated future. Individuals navigating the realm of trusts must pay close attention to every detail of their estate plan, … [Read more...] about The Importance of Being Earnest (And Funding Your Trust)
The Corporate Transparency Act
Many of our clients have, or put in place, various business entities. Effective, January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) mandatory entity information reporting with the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will impact numerous LLCs, corporations, and any other business entities created in or registered to do business in the United States. … [Read more...] about The Corporate Transparency Act
Medicaid Coverage in the Post-Covid Era
"Medicaid Coverage in the Post-Covid Era" by Attorney Alicia Balanesi (Audio) Between May and August of 2023, over 100,000 vulnerable adults in Maryland lost Medicaid coverage, and that number is still climbing. The loss came with the ending of a COVID-19 federal health policy that prohibited Maryland from kicking anyone off Medicaid during the pandemic. With the termination of the policy as of … [Read more...] about Medicaid Coverage in the Post-Covid Era
Estate Planning Travel Checklist
"Estate Planning Travel Checklist" by Attorney Melanie Marban (Audio) Everyone loves to plan a getaway. Whether it is a weekend away at the beach or a month-long backpacking trip through Europe, making lists before you leave is essential. You already have your packing list, itinerary, and instructions for the pet sitter. You may have even purchased travelers insurance in case of bad weather, … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Travel Checklist
Dumbledore’s Will in Harry Potter
Recently I wrote about comparing estate planning in Maryland and in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Estate planning is a crucial step to preparing for your future and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. In the world of Harry Potter, even the great wizard Dumbledore recognized the importance of estate planning when he left behind a unique and … [Read more...] about Dumbledore’s Will in Harry Potter
How is an Estate Valued in Estate Planning?
"How is an Estate Valued in Estate Planning?" by Attorney Laura Curry What makes up your estate? One of the first steps when I sit down with an estate planning client is to compile a list of all of their assets. Oftentimes, clients are surprised to find out how much is actually included in their estate. Once you have an inventory of your assets, it’s time to start planning what happens to those … [Read more...] about How is an Estate Valued in Estate Planning?
Trustee Commissions Under the Maryland Trust Act
"Trustee Commissions under the Maryland Trust Act" by Attorney Beth Burgee (Audio) Managing a trust involves various responsibilities and efforts to ensure the proper administration of the trust assets and the fulfillment of the grantor’s (creator of the trust) intentions. One aspect of trust management that often comes into play is trustee commissions. In Maryland, trustee commissions are … [Read more...] about Trustee Commissions Under the Maryland Trust Act
IMPORTANT Updates to Maryland’s Power of Attorney Laws
The Maryland General Assembly was busy this past session passing several laws that impact estates and trusts. A major update was done to the Statutory Power of Attorney Act first created in 2010. We encourage all of our clients to schedule a complimentary client review appointment to discuss these changes to your financial Power of Attorney and other important estate planning documents. A … [Read more...] about IMPORTANT Updates to Maryland’s Power of Attorney Laws
Should I Rely on AI to Develop My Estate Plan?
"Should I Rely on AI to Develop My Estate Plan?" by Attorney Stephanie Blair Taking steps to plan for possible incapacity, and the protection of your assets and beneficiaries when you pass away is a highly personal process filled with emotional subject matter. Estate planning requires the guidance, knowledge, judgment, and trusted relationship of an estate planning attorney, that artificial … [Read more...] about Should I Rely on AI to Develop My Estate Plan?
Han Solo’s Estate Plan
"Han Solo's Estate Plan" by Attorney Alicia Balanesi (Audio) Welcome back to Part II of the Star Wars Inheritance Series. To read Part I, please click here. Given the ever increasing pace of life, often important items get put on the backburner until a better day. Getting a Trust prepared or updating your outdated Last Will and Testament seems to be a task that many people don’t mind … [Read more...] about Han Solo’s Estate Plan