Author Archives: Site Administrator
Preparing For the Death of a Loved One: 7 Practical Recommendations
This is not an easy time and, emotionally, there is not much that your lawyer can do to help. What we can to is to assist you in understanding some of the practical issues involved. Below we describe seven recommendations of things to do before your loved one passes. At a minimum, this list… Read More »
First Firefighter Case on Hearing Loss Results in Victory
Recently we had an opportunity to have a hearing on one of twelve of the many hearing loss and tinnitus claims that we have filed before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. The Commission ruled in favor of the fire fighters in each of the cases. The Commission relied upon the hearing test as well… Read More »
Revocable Living Trusts: Are They Worth the Hype?
In many states, the use of a Revocable Living Trust has become increasingly popular as a viable estate planning option. But in Maryland, the ease of the probate process, among many other reasons, makes this option usually not worth the hype, money or time. A Revocable Living Trust is a written document that contains… Read More »
The Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order Has Been Replaced With the New and Improved MOLST Form in Maryland
When it comes to protecting your loved ones, we encourage you to have an Advance Directive (See Get an Advance Directive: Don’t Be a Headline; Should I get an Advance Directive, a Living Will or a Health Care Power of Attorney?). Having an Advance Directive is effective in explaining your wishes and giving someone… Read More »
The End of the 12 Year Maryland Estate Tax Experiment
The Maryland legislative session of 2014 began with a bang. Specifically, the House introduced HB 739 that presumably could cause major changes to the way you and I plan for the inevitable. Yesterday, the Maryland Senate approved Maryland State HouseHB 739 that will recouple the Maryland estate tax exclusion with that of the federal… Read More »
Transfers to Minors: Where Do I Start? What Should I Consider?
Two of the most commonly used methods of transferring money and assets to minors are a Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) Account or a Trust. Baby in Suitcase with Money A UTMA Account is relatively simple to create and fairly inexpensive, but you cannot exercise any control over the assets. While a trust… Read More »
What Happens to My Kids if I Become Incapacitated?
One of the overriding purposes driving people to create and establish an estate plan is to ensure their minor children are cared for and will continue to be provided for in case a tragedy befalls the family and one or both parents pass away. Benefits of a Last Will and Testament One of the… Read More »
What is so “Special” about a Special Needs Trust?
The Problem. You have a disabled child who is currently receiving need-based public assistance such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Your child is receiving those benefits because he or she is disabled and because he or she does not have sufficient income and resources. As a parent, you want to make sure… Read More »
6 Reasons Not to Put Your Child’s Name on the Deed to your House
Instead of drafting a Will, many people just put their child’s name on the deed to their house. Their goal is to make things easier for their child by eliminating the need to go through probate. If the house is the only asset, this can be an effective way to avoid probate. (If there… Read More »
Estate as Beneficiary of Life Insurance, IRA or 401k: Bad Idea
The last place you want your life insurance, retirement account, or pay-on-death (POD) account to go upon your death is to your Estate. Thus, do not name your “Estate” as the beneficiary on the designation form provided by your insurer, broker, or financial institution. However, even if you don’t make this mistake on the… Read More »