Maryland Estate Planning Attorneys

Estate planning is something we can all find a reason to put off. Maybe you think you don’t really have an “estate” to be concerned about. You figure anything you have will go to your spouse or children. You are busy and just don’t have time. Or the biggest reason of all — who wants to think about dying?

Whether you have substantial or few assets, you can likely benefit from an estate plan. At the Baddour Law Firm, we focus on preserving and memorializing the wishes of our clients. Our goal is to make sure your wishes are followed, and your loved ones are protected, no matter who they are.

Whether you’re a parent to young children, an empty nester approaching retirement, or a grandparent considering your legacy, we are dedicated to providing you with personalized service to accomplish your estate planning goals.

Why You Need Estate Planning

While many families treat death and taxes as taboo subjects, they are two things in life you can count on. But unfortunately, roughly half of North Americans don’t have a will or estate plan, which can lead to some unfortunate consequences.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough. But an unplanned estate puts those you care about in a difficult position. Here are some of the top benefits of creating a comprehensive estate plan:

Provide for Your Loved Ones

Without an estate plan, your loved ones may receive less of your wealth, and it could take years for them to receive anything. Putting your wishes in writing can also avoid family conflicts, which can strain and even destroy relationships.

Minimize Expenses

If you pass away without an estate plan, the state court must take over handling everything, including the distribution of your property, the custody of your children, and the dissolution of your business. The process is called probate, and the expenses will be deducted from your estate.

Transfer Wealth Quickly

It can take months or even years to distribute your property to a loved one without an estate plan. Save yourself and your loved ones the stress of this type of ordeal.

Keep Your Children Safe

Whom do you want to care for your minor children if something happens to you? You can outline your wishes in your estate plan.

Prepare for Incapacity

It’s not uncommon for people of any age to become incapacitated by a medical condition or accident. Who will make important medical decisions or handle your finances? Your estate plan can make these instructions crystal clear.

Maryland Estate Planning Services

Properly anticipating and preparing for the management and arrangement of an estate can be challenging. From a strategic and legal perspective, there are several variables that must be considered. Simply filling out an online form probably isn’t going to give you the protection and peace of mind you want and need.

At the Baddour Law Firm, our firm will sit down with you to create or update a comprehensive estate plan that best ensures your wishes are carried out. Some of the estate planning matters we handle on behalf of clients include:

Wills and Trusts

The cornerstone documents of any estate plan are a last will and testament and a living trust. Your will allows you to state who your beneficiaries should be upon your death, designate guardians for your minor children, and name a personal representative to handle your estate if it must go through probate.

But, if your goal is to avoid probate in Maryland, you would benefit from a revocable living trust. This allows you to transfer any assets titled under the trust to your named beneficiaries without the delay or expense of probate. We can help customize a will that meets your specific needs as well as draft the right type of trust to achieve your goals.

Advance Directives

Advance directives are generally those powers you give to another to act on your behalf. Examples of these include a Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, Healthcare Surrogate, and HIPPA Authorizations. This is one area of estate planning that many people overlook. We will make sure your advance directives are clear and updated so someone can act on your behalf at the right time.

Special Needs Planning

Special needs planning is an area of estate planning that requires a great deal of time and attention. A special needs child or adult needs as much protection as possible. Our firm will help you create the right plan to ensure your wishes are respected in a way that doesn’t jeopardize available government benefits.

Maryland Guardianship

Designate a guardian for your minor children in the event you should pass away or for yourself if you become incapacitated. This avoids placing such an important decision into the hands of a judge who doesn’t know anything about your family. Our law firm can assist you in drafting such a guardianship designation or can guide you through the administration of guardianship.

Probate and Estate Administration

Probate is the court-supervised process in which a deceased person’s assets are transferred to the beneficiaries listed in their will. The entire process can be complex and stressful. Our probate and estate administration attorney can assist you in locating all estate assets, giving notice to creditors, and handling the fair distribution of assets.

Contact a Trusted and Experienced Southern Maryland Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate planning can seem stressful and confusing. We want to change that. At the Baddour Law Firm, our estate planning process starts with a conversation. We have the experience and knowledge required to ensure you have a solid plan in place should you pass away, become disabled, or require future long-term care.

Developing a plan that works for you requires that we gain a full understanding of your current situation and your wishes for tomorrow. Based on your goals, our firm will develop a legal plan using solutions like wills and trusts to secure your legacy for yourself and your loved ones.

Contact us today for a free consultation and allow us to help you figure out your next best steps. Please call (301) 494-2108 or contact us online to schedule an appointment in our Dunkirk or St. Mary’s office.