If you have a loved one with disabilities or special needs, you have likely thought about how you will protect and provide for them after you pass. Providing for a loved one with special needs does not need to be difficult, but it should be done carefully to avoid any unintended consequences. An experienced attorney can help you tailor a plan to provide for your loved one in a way that supports a fulfilling lifestyle Read More
Hiring a Professional Pays
In the United States, the majority of individuals don’t have any estate planning documents in place. Why is that? For some, it is difficult and uncomfortable to confront their own mortality. For others, there is a perception that the estate planning process is expensive or only meant for people who are already “successful.” To address this phenomenon, there have been a wave of “budget” and “DIY” estate planning Read More
A Clear and Compassionate Plan Can Help Avoid Hurt
On March 4, 2019, America lost one of its favorite heartthrobs. Luke Perry (Coy Luther Perry, III) passed away after a tragic and unexpected illness. At the age of 52, he suffered a stroke, was hospitalized, and five days later, when it was clear he would not recover, his family made the decision to remove life support. In this devastating time, it seems that Luke Perry’s family was able to take swift and decisive Read More
Your Blended Family is Unique: Tailoring Estate Planning to Meet Your Needs
A blended family is one with children from more than one partnership. For many families, this may be a second marriage in which one or both partners have children from a previous relationship. In some blended families, the second marriage also results in children. Blended families are very common, but the default laws in Maryland likely do not reflect how you want to provide for your loved ones after you pass. This Read More
What Every New Parent Needs to Know About Estate Planning
As a parent and an estate planning attorney, I spend quite a lot of time thinking about how to protect my children and provide for their futures using estate planning tools. But, my children are grown. For new parents, I know that estate planning may be the furthest thing from your mind. As a parent (or grandparent!), there are a thousand things to worry about. Having children in your life creates responsibility, Read More
5 Reasons You Need an Estate Plan Even If You Don’t Have Many Assets
Estate planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy - everybody needs one! Irrespective of your financial status and family dynamics, you will benefit by having an estate plan. An estate plan can not only protect your assets after you pass away but also during your lifetime in case something happens to you. Let's look at the reasons why you need an estate plan even if you don't have many assets. Protection Read More
What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident
A car accident can occur anytime, causing serious injuries and damage to your car and other property. Most accidents are unforeseeable, and it is often up to you to maintain acceptable driving standards to prevent any unnecessary incidents. Unfortunately, mistakes do happen every once in a while, so it is important to know how to respond when that time comes. Here is a brief guide on what to do if you are involved in Read More
What Are the Child’s Best Interests, Anyway?
Child support and a child’s best interests go hand in hand. Today, child support decisions focus on a judge’s interpretation of the child’s best interests and financial information of both parents. It is often frightening for parents to think that someone who knows very little about them (in the form of a judge) now has the power to decide an important part of their future and that of their children. However, while Read More
Estate Planning in Your Pajamas!
Estate planning? Who has time for that? You have a job, you go to school, you've got kids, there’s soccer practice and dance classes, you work with the church, the dog needs walking, and oh yeah, you might want a little bit of a social life. So with all that going on who really does have time to think about the future and plan for their loved ones? In working with a lot of clients who are younger, who just bought Read More
4 Lies You Probably Believe About Prenuptial Agreements
One of the most common legal actions taken before marriage is signing a prenuptial agreement, which typically defines the financial and property rights of each spouse in case of a divorce. Unfortunately, prenups have amassed a terrible reputation over the last few decades. Commonly associated with the rich and wealthy, prenuptial agreements are usually seen as a lack of trust between marrying couples. This has Read More
