Author Archives: Site Administrator
Maryland Same Sex Estate Planning in 2013 and Beyond
Estate planning in Maryland for same sex couples is dramatically different as a result of two groundbreaking legal developments in 2013. On January 1 same sex marriage became legal in Maryland and on June 26 the Supreme Court struck down portions of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a result, same sex married… Read More »
Advice for the Apprehensive Injured Worker
By Charles Schultz, Esq. A few times a week I get a call from an injured worker who is considering filing a workers’ compensation claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission but is concerned about the repercussions that may take place after filing their claim. While it is understandable, and in certain circumstances a… 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 »
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 »
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 »
Death of a Loved One: Practical and Legal Guidance
Dealing with the death of a loved one both before and after death are the two most difficult situations in our lives. In addition to the emotional toll, there are also innumerable details, practical and legal, surrounding a loved one’s death. Most people are not aware of the steps that need to be taken… Read More »
Preparing for a Grand Exit
Are you a small business owner? If so, you may love your job so much, that retirement, death, or incapacity are the furthest thoughts from your mind. While you may not intend to exit the business in the near future, have you considered the possibility of what might happen if you have to unexpectedly… 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 »
How Does the New Fiscal Cliff Legislation Affect my Estate Tax Planning?
On January 2, 2013 the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted, avoiding the so-called “fiscal cliff.” In addition to income tax changes, the law contained provisions on estate taxes which certainly did avoid something very cliff-like. Had the law not been enacted, the federal estate tax exemption would have reverted to $1… 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 »