Author Archives: Site Administrator
Maryland’s New Power of Attorney Act
On October 1, 2010, a new power of attorney act went into effect in the State of Maryland. Efforts had been made for a number of years to get legislation passed that would govern the use of power of attorneys. The new Act should assist the general public by making power of attorneys easier… Read More »
5 Important Facts About the New Estate Tax
In December 2010 Congress enacted the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. This law created an entirely new estate tax regime. To understand the extent of the change, it is important to remember where we were prior to the new law. In 2009, the maximum federal estate tax was… Read More »
3 Issues to Consider When Drafting your Power of Attorney
So you are now convinced that you need a Power of Attorney (POA) in place to help your family and loved ones take care of you in your time of need. Or maybe you and your aging parent have decided that a POA needs to be executed in anticipation of deteriorating health. Below are… Read More »
What is a Durable Power of Attorney Anyway?
So many people come in to see me and are convinced that they need a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). When I ask them why, they don’t know. Further probing usually reveals that they aren’t quite sure what a DPOA actually is. Let me see if I can explain the idea. Simply put, a… Read More »
The 5 Most Important Reasons to Have a Will
1. Avoid Intestacy Laws If you never get around to getting a Will, don’t worry – the legislature will write one for you. If you die without a will you are “intestate” and the intestacy laws of your state govern what happens to your property. In almost all situations the legislature’s idea of what… Read More »
Key Differences In The Vocational Rehabilitation Process In Maryland And The District Of Columbia
Vocational Benefits The Workers’ Compensation statutes in both the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia offer a benefit to injured workers who desire to return to work: called Vocational Rehabilitation (often called “Voc Rehab” for short). Vocational Rehabilitation arises in a workers’ compensation case when the injured worker’s medical treatment is complete,… Read More »
Gap In Medical Treatment And Effects On Social Security Disability Benefits
Medical records are the focus of every social security disability case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will thoroughly comb through your medical records to assess the extent of your treatment in order to determine the severity of your disability. In many instances in a social security disability case, a claimant will stop treating with… Read More »
Sick Leave Bank Or Temporary Total Disability? An Introduction To How Leave Benefit Options Will Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Case
Many of my teacher clients often ask, and understandably so, how will I be paid while I am out of work and recovering from my injury? Because many boards of education in Maryland offer benefits other than what the Workers’ Compensation Act allows – the answer is – “it depends”. Oftentimes, the type of… Read More »
Can Teachers Collect Leave Benefits During Summer Break?
The days are now long, morning frost is a thing of the past, and thousands of Maryland’s educators’ are enjoying their summer breaks. What better way to kick off this year’s few months of relaxation (or switching gears for that summer job) than to brush up on your workers’ compensation knowledge? Workers’ Comp Benefits… Read More »