"Ceasing Automatic Shipments & Payments When a Loved One Passes Away" by Attorney Cristol Wagner (Audio) Many of us have automatic payments coming out of our accounts monthly or even annually that we forget about altogether. When a loved one passes away, how do you track all of that down and make sure those automatic payments and shipments are effectively canceled? The person who has … [Read more...] about Ceasing Automatic Payments and Shipments When a Loved One Passes Away

"Exploring Advanced Estate Planning Strategies" by Attorney Jon Gasior (Audio) Most clients come to our law firm to discuss traditional estate planning tools and strategies such as powers of attorney, wills, and revocable trusts. These are great tools for many families. However, there are additional strategies estate planning attorneys can utilize when clients need more advanced planning … [Read more...] about Exploring Advanced Estate Planning Strategies

"Understanding Your Estate Planning Documents" by Attorney Laura Curry (Audio) Occasionally, as time passes, you may have forgotten or become confused about what each estate planning document you put in place does and when to use it. Your comprehensive estate plan may include a financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, HIPAA authorization, living will (sometimes referred to as … [Read more...] about Understanding Your Estate Planning Documents

The process of estate planning often involves navigating a myriad of decisions and processes, and one of the misconceptions is that filing your Will with the Register of Wills during your lifetime is a necessary step. Contrary to what some believe, there is no legal obligation to file your Will before you pass away. In Maryland, there is an option to file your Will with the Register of Wills for … [Read more...] about Should I File My Will?

What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)? An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can be an important tool in a comprehensive estate plan. An ILIT is a trust created during an insured’s lifetime that owns and controls a term or whole life insurance policy. The trust will also manage and control the distribution of the proceeds that are paid out upon the insured’s death.   There … [Read more...] about Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust

One of the most important tasks when planning your estate is deciding who you will choose to be your fiduciaries or so-called “decision makers”. These are the individuals you select to make critical decisions if you are unable due to illness, disability, or death. Your fiduciaries are responsible for making decisions regarding your health care and finances. Since each of your decision-makers … [Read more...] about Choosing Your Fiduciaries

"The Importance of Coordinating Estate Planning and Financial Advising"" by Attorney Jon Gasior (Audio) When assisting clients with setting up their estate planning documents, our conversations revolve around who will manage their assets if they are unable, who will inherit their assets when they pass away, and tax avoidance and long-term care planning strategies. Ultimately, we are … [Read more...] about The Importance of Coordinating Estate Planning and Financial Advising

"Estate Planning for Your Timeshare" by Attorney Melanie Marban (Audio) You are sold on the marvels of timeshares and ready to relive your favorite vacation for years to come! But what happens when you grow tired of the timeshare, can no longer travel, or when you pass away? What happens if your family does not want it or cannot afford it? Let’s begin with the two ways a timeshare can be … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Your Timeshare

"Death Certificate Mistakes" by Attorney Beth Burgee (Audio) The passing of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and dealing with administrative errors on a death certificate can add an additional layer of stress. It is crucial to address mistakes promptly and accurately. The death certificate is used in multiple aspects of administering a loved one’s estate and is used to verify … [Read more...] about Death Certificate Mistakes

Jay Leno recently started his legal journey to obtain conservatorship or guardianship over his wife who was recently diagnosed with dementia. The court paperwork shows that he was filing so he could set up a living trust for his wife to manage her assets and provide for her continued care if he died. He is asking the court for permission to create an estate plan because they had not done so before … [Read more...] about Guardianship: Insights from Jay Leno’s Wife’s Court Proceeding