Recent Blog Posts
Estate Planning for Military Families: Are You Protected? (UPDATED: August 2019)
No matter the time of year, it is always a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up — or revising an existing —estate plan. Military families need to consider special estate-planning issues that others do not. This is particularly true when one or more family members… Read More »
Caution: Writing Your Own Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Unintended Consequences
Are you wondering how to avoid probate in Maryland? If so, you want to make sure you’re going about it the right way… In Howard County and beyond, one common way to avoid probate of real estate after the owner dies is to hold the title to the property in joint names with rights… Read More »
How to Build a Comprehensive Estate Plan that Includes Asset Protection
Much of estate planning has to do with the way a person’s assets will be distributed upon their death. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. From smart incapacity planning to diligent probate avoidance, there is a lot that goes into crafting a comprehensive estate plan. One important factor to consider is asset… Read More »
“Cover Your Assets!” The Truth About Asset Protection Planning
Some people believe that asset protection planning is a less-than-ethical form of wealth planning. They believe there is a moral obligation to pay one’s debts, and therefore think that asset protection planning is immoral because it prevents a creditor from collecting on a judgment entered by a court. The truth is . . …. Read More »
Want to Give the Kids an Early Inheritance? 4 Things to Consider
If you’re thinking about giving your children an early inheritance, you’re not alone. A recent Merrill Lynch study suggests that these days, nearly two-thirds of people over the age of 50 would rather pass their assets to the children early than make them wait until the will is read. It can be especially satisfying… Read More »
3 Decidedly Dumb Ways to Leave an Inheritance for Your Children
Estate planning offers many ways to leave your wealth and pass on a legacy to your children and future generations, but it’s just as important to know what not to do when it comes to Maryland inheritance laws. If you live in Howard County, Maryland or a surrounding area and want to leave an… Read More »
How a Community Property Trust Could Save You From Heavy Taxation Down the Road
When it comes to your family’s legacy, every dollar you can save from tax collection counts. One way to keep your assets out of the hands of the IRS is the formation of community property trusts. Last week, we discussed why integrating a community property trust (CPT) into your estate plan is a good idea… Read More »
Integrating a Community Property Trust into Your Estate Planning
A well-crafted estate plan is comprised of many individual parts, and careful, trust-based estate planning is the best way to preserve your family’s legacy for you and your loved ones. One way couples can get the most mileage out of their estate plans is through community property trusts. This is a special type of… Read More »
Which life events require an immediate estate plan update?
Estate planning is the process of developing a strategy for the care and management of your estate if you become incapacitated or upon your death. One commonly known purpose of estate planning is to minimize taxes and costs, including taxes imposed on gifts, estates, generation skipping transfer and probate court costs. However, your plan… Read More »
Life Insurance and Estate Planning: Protecting Your Beneficiaries’ Interests
One misconception people have about life insurance is that naming life insurance beneficiaries is all you have to do to ensure the benefits of life insurance will be available for a surviving spouse, children, or other intended beneficiary. Life insurance is an important estate planning tool, but without certain protections in place, there’s no… Read More »
