The attorneys at The Spencer Law Group have extensive experience with this technical area of family law, and are ready to assist you in moving through this difficult process.
An estate plan ensures that your assets – real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property – are distributed according to your wishes. Without a plan, state laws control how your estate is divided, which may not reflect your intentions. An estate plan also addresses:
Assigning someone you trust to make financial and healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so.
Naming a guardian for minor children.
Using strategies to reduce estate and inheritance taxes.
Minimizing the time and costs associated with probate court.
Our attorneys explain how Maryland laws affect your estate and work closely with you to design a plan that reflects your family’s needs.
A will specifies how your assets are distributed and names an executor to carry out your wishes. In your will, you can also designate guardians for minor children, ensuring they are cared for by people you trust.
This document appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Your agent can handle tasks such as paying bills, managing investments, and filing taxes on your behalf.
A medical power of attorney designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. This ensures your medical treatment aligns with your personal values.
An advance directive outlines your preferences for life-sustaining treatment and end-of-life care. It guides medical professionals and family members during difficult decisions.
A living trust allows you to transfer assets into a trust during your lifetime. You can serve as trustee and maintain control over the assets. Upon your death, the successor trustee distributes assets to beneficiaries without undergoing probate.
For families with larger estates or unique circumstances, our Advance Planning services offer additional tools:
Placing assets into an irrevocable trust can protect them from creditors and reduce estate taxes.
Supporting favorite charities while gaining tax benefits.
Ensuring a loved one with disabilities receives financial support without jeopardizing government benefits.
Using life insurance proceeds to provide for heirs or pay estate taxes.
These strategies require careful analysis of your financial picture. Our attorneys collaborate with financial advisors and tax professionals to design customized plans.
Once your child reaches age 18, you are not legally permitted to make decisions for them, should a problem arise
Obtaining a Financial Power of Attorney and Advance Directive for your child once they reach age 18 will give you the ability to continue to care for them, as you have until now.
When a loved one passes away, the estate often goes through probate – a court-supervised process to validate the will and distribute assets. Our Probate Law services assist executors and beneficiaries with:
Submitting required documents to the circuit court.
Identifying and appraising estate property.
Notifying creditors and resolving legitimate claims.
Ensuring beneficiaries receive their inheritances according to the will or Maryland law (if there is no will).
Defending against will contests and addressing contested administration issues.
We guide executors through each step, reducing delays and minimizing risks of errors or challenges.
If someone contests a will or trust – alleging issues such as lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution – we provide strong representation to protect your rights. Common contested issues include:
Arguing that the decedent lacked the legal capacity to sign the document.
Proving that a beneficiary coerced the decedent.
Holding a trustee accountable for mismanaging trust assets.
Our litigators gather evidence, retain expert witnesses when needed, and present a compelling case in court to preserve your inheritance or defend your position.
We begin with a detailed conversation about your family, assets, and goals. This meeting allows us to identify key issues such as blended-family considerations, charitable interests, or asset protection needs and explain Maryland’s legal requirements.
You provide details about your assets, debts, and existing paperwork. We review deeds, account statements, previous wills, and tax returns to gain a comprehensive understanding of your estate.
Based on your objectives, we recommend specific documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or advanced directives and draft them in clear language. We discuss potential tax implications and probate procedures so you know what to expect.
We schedule a signing appointment at our Columbia office. Our attorneys ensure proper execution (witnesses, notarization, and any required filings) so your documents hold up under Maryland law.
Life circumstances change – marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or shifts in asset values. We encourage you to review your estate plan every few years or after major life events to confirm it still meets your needs.
Without a will or trust, Maryland’s intestacy laws govern asset distribution. This process may not align with your wishes and can cause delays, extra costs, and potential disputes among heirs.
Fees vary based on complexity. A simple will and powers of attorney often cost less than $1,200, while comprehensive trusts and tax planning can range higher. We provide a detailed fee outline during your initial consultation.
Yes. You can modify your will or trust at any time while you are mentally competent. We recommend updating your plan after major life events – marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant financial changes.
Not always. A living trust can help avoid probate and maintain privacy, but for smaller estates, a simple will may suffice. We evaluate your assets and goals to recommend the best approach.
Select someone you trust – often a spouse, adult child, or professional advisor. They should be organized, responsible, and willing to fulfill fiduciary duties. We discuss the role’s responsibilities so you can make an informed choice.
Effective estate planning safeguards your family’s future and provides peace of mind. Whether you need a basic will, a comprehensive trust, or assistance with probate administration, The Spencer Law Group in Columbia, MD, is ready to help.
Call us at (410) 203-2223 or visit our Contact page to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us create a plan that protects your legacy and secures your loved ones’ well-being.