articles

Selecting a Guardian for Your Adopted Child
Beyond the Basics: Selecting a Guardian for Your Adopted Child
Strategic Planning from an Olney Estate Lawyer When you name a guardian in your Will, you are choosing the person who will step into your shoes as a parent. For families formed through adoption, this decision requires a deeper level of vetting. Your...
Trustee Discretion 101
Trustee Discretion 101: Why "Maybe" Is Better Than "Must" for Olney Trust Planning
When creating a trust, you face a critical decision: Do you want your beneficiaries to receive guaranteed checks, or do you want your trustee to decide when and if they get paid? The latter is called discretionary authority, and while it sounds strict,...
Stealing from the Grieving_ How to Spot Bereavement Scams
Stealing from the Grieving: How to Spot Bereavement Scams in Montgomery County
Losing a loved one is emotionally devastating. Unfortunately, for scammers, your grief is an opportunity. Bereavement scams are on the rise, with con artists using public obituaries to target widows, widowers, and executors. They rely on the fact that...
Myth_I Don't Have Enough Money for a Living Trust
Myth: "I Don't Have Enough Money for a Living Trust" - Guidance from an Olney Trust and Estates Lawyer
One of the most persistent myths in estate planning is that living trusts are reserved for the ultra-wealthy. The reality? If you own a home, have a retirement account, or want to keep your family out of court, you likely have enough to justify a trust. In...
Love, Life, and the Law Planning for Every Relationship Status
Love, Life, and the Law: Planning for Every Relationship Status with a Silver Spring Estate Planning Attorney
We often think of estate planning as something for traditional nuclear families, but in 2026, love and family look different for everyone. Relationships are complex, beautiful, and sometimes messy. The law, however, tends to be rigid. It has a default...