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
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
Medicaid’s Spousal Impoverishment Rules
"Medicaid’s Spousal Impoverishment Rules" by Attorney Alex Pagnotta Almost half of all seniors currently in long-term care rely on Medicaid to help cover the cost of that care. If you, or your spouse, are facing the need for long-term care (LTC) in the near future, you may also find yourself turning to Medicaid to help. The Medicaid eligibility guidelines and application procedures, however, … [Read more...] about Medicaid’s Spousal Impoverishment Rules
What is the Augmented Estate?
"What is the Augmented Estate?" by Attorney Jon J. Gasior Over the last several years, the Maryland General Assembly has considered bills that are often called “augmented estate” bills. The question becomes, how will these impact Marylanders, if at all? In order to understand the augmented estate, one must first understand the spousal election. In Maryland a surviving spouse can make an … [Read more...] about What is the Augmented Estate?
Free Estate Planning Seminars Next Week! Register now!
The estate planning seminars establishes the necessary components of an effective estate plan. The seminar is presented in a case study format profiling the life of Bill and Mary Jones. Several scenarios are used to relay the impact of estate planning issues relating to probate, disability due to incompetence, protection of government benefits for special needs loved ones, second marriages, … [Read more...] about Free Estate Planning Seminars Next Week! Register now!
What Is A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust and How Does It Work? (Audio)
"What Is A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust and How Does It Work?" by Attorney Jon J. Gasior … [Read more...] about What Is A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust and How Does It Work? (Audio)
Portability in Estate Planning
Portability was introduced under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 and is effective for married persons dying on or after January 1, 2011. It has the potential to save you greatly in estate taxes, but you must act quickly if you intend to make a portability election. Here is some background: Currently, the federal estate and gift tax exclusions are unified at 5.34 Million Dollars, … [Read more...] about Portability in Estate Planning
Divorce, Opportunists and Lawsuits: The Top 3 Risks that Cause Parents Worry
The top three risks that parents worry about are: Divorce, Opportunists, and Lawsuits. Many clients are concerned about the son-in-law and daughter-in-law divorcing their child and walking away with a big chunk of their estate. And why shouldn’t they worry? With a divorce rate in America topping every other country, the chances of your kids having a long and happy marriage are not good. … [Read more...] about Divorce, Opportunists and Lawsuits: The Top 3 Risks that Cause Parents Worry
Who is Responsible To Pay the Estate Debt of a Deceased Loved One? (Audio)
["Who is Responsible to Pay the Debt of a Deceased Loved One?" by Attorney Brooke J. Shemer … [Read more...] about Who is Responsible To Pay the Estate Debt of a Deceased Loved One? (Audio)
