Decide who manages your finances and healthcare if you become incapacitated.

Name guardians for minor children and personal representatives to settle your affairs.

Clearly outline your intentions, reducing confusion and potential conflicts later.

Use trusts to protect assets for beneficiaries and minimize costs and delays.

A will sets forth how you want your assets distributed after your death. It also names your executor (the person who gathers assets, pays debts, and distributes property), designates guardians for minor children, and clarifies bequests (ensuring specific gifts go to the people or charities you choose). Without a valid will, Maryland’s intestacy laws determine who inherits, which may not match your wishes.

This document appoints someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you cannot. Your agent can pay bills and manage investments, file tax returns and handle banking transactions, and oversee business interests or real estate. A durable power of attorney remains effective even if you become incapacitated.

An advance directive designates a healthcare agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. It specifies treatment preferences, addresses organ donation, and guides end-of-life choices. Having an advance directive empowers you to dictate your medical care and spares loved ones from uncertainty during emergencies.

A trust can separate the management of assets from their ultimate distribution. Options include Revocable Living Trust (you retain control while alive), Irrevocable Trust (protects against creditors and reduces estate tax exposure), and Special Needs Trust (ensures disabled loved ones retain government benefits while receiving financial support).

We begin with an in-depth meeting to understand your family dynamics, financial situation, and long-term goals. This discussion uncovers potential issues such as blended-family concerns, business ownership, or special needs that influence your plan.

Based on our consultation, we recommend the appropriate combination of wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and trusts. We draft each document in clear language, ensuring it meets Maryland’s legal requirements.

At a signing appointment, we review each document line by line, answer questions, and oversee proper execution (witnesses, notarization, and any necessary court filings) so your plan is legally enforceable.

Life events such as marriage, divorce, childbirth, changes in health, or significant shifts in assets can affect your plan. We encourage periodic reviews and adjust documents as needed to keep your advance plan current.

Without a financial power of attorney, the court may appoint a guardian to manage your finances. This process is public, costly, and removes your ability to choose who handles your affairs.

In Maryland, an advance directive typically includes both your healthcare proxy appointment and instructions for life-sustaining treatment (often called a living will). We ensure your document covers all necessary medical decisions.

Yes. You can update your will or trust at any time while competent. You can also revoke or replace powers of attorney and directives as circumstances change.

Not necessarily. Even modest estates can benefit from trusts that avoid probate, protect minor inheritances, or address special needs. We tailor trust recommendations to your goals and budget.

We recommend reviewing every 3–5 years or after major life events – marriage, divorce, birth of a child, purchase of significant assets, or changes in health status.