These days, there is a name for every generation: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and each generation is loosely defined by a few key characteristics that group them together. You may have heard the term “Sandwich Generation” used lately, but what does it mean and are you a member? The t...
You have probably heard the term “trust” used before. Often it's used in the context of a “trust fund baby,” someone who doesn't really have to work because they always have a steady flow of money coming in from a wealthy relative. But, keeping your kids living the good life isn't really the prim...
Have you asked your parents about their estate plans? Chances are, it feels like a delicate subject. We don't want to pry, or seem like we're waiting for our parents to pass, so we don't ask. We think, “It'll be ok if they don't have a plan. Probate couldn't possibly be that bad.” In this way, we...
The end of the school year is drawing near, and high school seniors throughout the State of Maryland are starting to make a plan. They are choosing where they want to go to college, what classes they want to take, what dorms they want to occupy, what interests they want to pursue. But, have they ...
Have you already bought your mom something special for Mother's Day? If you are behind on your shopping, don't panic! There is still time to get her something thoughtful, meaningful, and memorable. Sure, it's not the first thing people think of when they think “Mom,” but it is incredibly importan...
Death is never an easy subject. However, it is an important topic that touches each and every person. So why is it so hard to talk about? For many of us, death is not a part of our daily lives. In fact, we tend to go out of our ways to remove ourselves from death altogether. The result? This dist...
If you've been paying attention to the news, you know that student loans are bigger and more common than ever before. There is currently over $1.45 trillion in outstanding student loan debt in the United States, and 42 million Americans have some amount of student loan debt (the average borrower ...
Spring is a time of renewal, new growth, and possibility. Although many of us experience a burst of energy as the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, it often doesn't last long. In just a few weeks, our lives will begin to bustle with summertime preparations and an ever-growing To Do li...
1. Assessing Your Impact: What's Included in Your Digital Footprint? You may not realize this, but throughout your lifetime, you have been making an imprint on the virtual world. When you pass, your digital footprint will remain behind. What's included in your digital footprint? Personal corr...
If you have a loved one with disabilities or special needs, you have likely thought about how you will protect and provide for them after you pass. Providing for a loved one with special needs does not need to be difficult, but it should be done carefully to avoid any unintended consequences. An ...
In the United States, the majority of individuals don't have any estate planning documents in place. Why is that? For some, it is difficult and uncomfortable to confront their own mortality. For others, there is a perception that the estate planning process is expensive or only meant for people w...
On March 4, 2019, America lost one of its favorite heartthrobs. Luke Perry (Coy Luther Perry, III) passed away after a tragic and unexpected illness. At the age of 52, he suffered a stroke, was hospitalized, and five days later, when it was clear he would not recover, his family made the decision...
A blended family is one with children from more than one partnership. For many families, this may be a second marriage in which one or both partners have children from a previous relationship. In some blended families, the second marriage also results in children. Blended families are very common...
As a parent and an estate planning attorney, I spend quite a lot of time thinking about how to protect my children and provide for their futures using estate planning tools. But, my children are grown. For new parents, I know that estate planning may be the furthest thing from your mind. As a par...
Estate planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy – everybody needs one! Irrespective of your financial status and family dynamics, you will benefit by having an estate plan. An estate plan can not only protect your assets after you pass away but also during your lifetime in case something happen...
A car accident can occur anytime, causing serious injuries and damage to your car and other property. Most accidents are unforeseeable, and it is often up to you to maintain acceptable driving standards to prevent any unnecessary incidents. Unfortunately, mistakes do happen every once in a while,...
Child support and a child's best interests go hand in hand. Today, child support decisions focus on a judge's interpretation of the child's best interests and financial information of both parents. It is often frightening for parents to think that someone who knows very little about them (in the...
Estate planning? Who has time for that? You have a job, you go to school, you've got kids, there's soccer practice and dance classes, you work with the church, the dog needs walking, and oh yeah, you might want a little bit of a social life. So with all that going on who really does have time to ...
One of the most common legal actions taken before marriage is signing a prenuptial agreement, which typically defines the financial and property rights of each spouse in case of a divorce. Unfortunately, prenups have amassed a terrible reputation over the last few decades. Commonly associated wit...
Clients often ask whether or not they need a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) or if a Will is sufficient for their estate planning needs. While there are several benefits to having an RLT, there is one primary factual reason to have an RLT beyond just the benefits it provides. That is, do yo...
The issue of healthcare has been a thorn in the back of American taxpayers for a long time. The United States spends a staggering $10,348 per person on healthcare, amounting to about 18% of its GDP. This is far more than any other country on the planet. In fact, it is 8 percentage points clear of...
What do you do when you have some assets you want to leave to your children or grandchildren, but still need to protect them against interference from third parties? You create a trust. In fact, trusts are established precisely to provide legal protection for a trustor's assets, as well as to ens...
Since 1990, Maryland courts have been required to use Child Support Guidelines in all cases involving children. These guidelines suggest a certain amount that should be paid to meet the cost of raising the children of the divorced parents. Let's explore these factors: Both parents' actual m...
Thinking about your mortality can evoke uncomfortable feelings, but it is something everyone has to come to terms with eventually. You have to be able to ask yourself the hard questions, like: Who will take control of your property and assets once you are gone? Will your family stay united whatev...
After a divorce is finalized, you will have several orders in place that must be followed for a set period of time. In most cases, these orders will be in place for several years at the least, and in some situations, are actually meant to last for life. The courts understand, however, that people...
We are very happy to answering your questions about Estate Planning, Probate Administration, Adoptions, and Guardianship law issues in Maryland.
To set up a free consultation at your convenience simply click here to schedule an appointment.