With a new year comes updated exemptions for estate tax exclusion and gift tax for 2023. What is the “estate tax exemption” and where is it going in 2023? The estate tax exemption is the amount of non-charitable bequests that can pass tax-free to someone…

Maryland’s “Statute Against Financial Exploitation Act” (SAFE) was enacted in October 2021. In the past year, it has proven to be a valuable additional layer of protection for Maryland seniors. What gave rise to the SAFE Act? Troublingly, in recent years, there have been growing…

In a recent Maryland appellate case, a husband was ordered to make a lump sum payment of $7 Million to his ex-wife for engaging in adultery, which led to the dissolution of the marriage. Here we provide some information about the case, and when couples might consider…

October 1 is the date when the majority of laws enacted by the Maryland legislature during the preceding session take effect. While the 2022 legislative session wasn’t as busy of a legislative session as 2021 as far as the estate and trust world is concerned,…

In the last few weeks, parents across the country have navigated an emotional and logistical whirlwind. Sometimes tear-filled, often stressful, we’re talking about moving your kids into college. Parents almost always remember the dorm essentials – laptop, sheets, mini-fridge, storage cubes, desk lamp, whiteboard, and…

Estate planning clients often engage us along with their spouses. Even though each spouse signs their own will, they often coordinate their documents with one another after a major life event, such as a marriage, birth of a child, or emancipation of grown children. These clients…

As our clients age, they increasingly rely upon the assistance of others for financial matters. Our clients often want to formalize this relationship to ensure that the bank or retirement plan custodian will recognize the authority of a trusted friend or family member to give instructions. When…

You’ve finally crossed that item off your household to-do list. You’re going to meet with an attorney to discuss your estate planning.  What should you expect both before and after the consultation? Before the Consultation — The Intake Questionnaire Prior to your consultation with the…

Estate planning documents are drafted to stand the test of time. That being said, estate planning documents should be reviewed at least every 2-3 years to see if updates are necessary. Here are the 5 things to consider when reviewing your existing documents and determining…

For many of our probate clients administering the post-death affairs of a loved one, the most vexing issue can be retitling or the disposition of a car. What complicates the post-death disposition of a vehicle? Ownership of your car passes by title. Many couples only…