As an experienced Olney will and trust lawyer, I’m often asked whether residents can legally write their own wills without an attorney. The short answer is yes—Maryland law does allow individuals to create their own wills. However, the more important question isn’t whether you can, but whether you should. The Legal Requirements for a Valid …
The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law in 2022, introduced major changes to retirement accounts, impacting everything from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to beneficiary inheritance rules. These updates are crucial for individuals planning their estates, as they affect how retirement assets are distributed and taxed after death. As an Olney estate lawyer, I often help …
As an Olney estate planning attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how even carefully drafted wills can have significant oversights. While most people remember to address major assets like homes and financial accounts, certain important provisions are frequently overlooked. These forgotten elements can create unnecessary stress, conflict, and expenses for your loved ones after you’re gone. Let’s …
We often picture healthcare decisions as something that only comes up in a hospital setting, but the truth is, these choices deserve your attention long before a crisis arises. As an Olney estate planning attorney, I’ve seen how advance planning can make a world of difference for both individuals and their families during challenging times. …
Families with a child on the autism spectrum often experience a stark change when that child reaches age 18, a transition sometimes referred to as the “autism cliff.” Many of the supportive services relied on during childhood, such as specialized education programs, may shift or end altogether in adulthood. This can leave parents concerned about …
As an Olney estate lawyer, I’ve seen many family businesses flourish across generations. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed others falter during transition, not because of market conditions or competition, but due to inadequate succession planning. The hard truth? Sometimes the biggest threats to your business legacy come from within the family itself. The Question No One …
As an elder lawyer in Olney, I’ve noticed a recurring theme when helping families navigate the downsizing process. Parents often struggle to part with possessions because they hope to pass them down to their children. Yet when meeting with adult children after their parents’ passing, we frequently hear a different perspective: they feel overwhelmed by …
Downsizing with Your Children’s Inheritance in Mind: Advice from a Olney Elder Lawyer Read More »
When it comes to estate planning, naming a guardian for your minor children is one of the most important decisions you can make. It’s also one of the hardest. While you’ve likely spent time carefully considering who you’d want to raise your children if something happened to you, one vital step remains: talking to the …
Starting the Conversation: Talking to Guardians About Their Role Read More »
As an Olney probate lawyer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how scammers exploit families during their most vulnerable moments. The days and weeks following a loved one’s passing should be a time for healing and remembrance – not defending against fraud. Let me share some crucial insights to help protect your family during this sensitive time. The …
One of the most frequent questions I hear as an Olney trust lawyer is, “Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?” Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: “Am I making the right choice for my family’s future?” Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your …
Right-Sizing Your Trust: An Olney Trust Lawyer Explains What Really Matters Read More »
