INHERITANCE TAX RELIEF FOR DOMESTIC PARTNERS

Maryland is one of the few states that imposes an Inheritance Tax.  The tax is 10% of the amount inherited from a decedent domiciled in Maryland (or the value of Maryland real property inherited from a decedent domiciled elsewhere).  Close relatives and charities are exempt.   While spouses are exempt from the Inheritance Tax, until recently, […]

HF&F is hiring – Estates & Trusts Attorney

Hassani, Focas and Fifer, P.A., a well-respected Estates and Trusts firm in Towson, Maryland, is seeking an associate attorney to join our growing practice.  We offer rapid advancement opportunities and generous compensation and benefits to qualified applicants. The ideal candidate will collaborate with the firm’s other attorneys, advise clients, communicate with other professionals, and supervise […]

HF&F is hiring – Executive Director / Office Manager

Towson AV rated law firm seeks professional full-time Office Manager to join our busy estates and trusts and business practice. Primary office responsibilities include the management of the firm’s: Checking account and ledgers for fees received (including electronic and credit card payments), accounts payable, and payroll. Escrow/Trust accounting. Client list, conflict checks, file, and contact […]

Porting a Deceased Spouse’s Estate Tax Exemption

Marylanders are subject to both Federal and Maryland Estate Tax – taxes on most property in which a deceased individual has an interest at the time of death.  In many cases, the tax code offers relief that results in no tax due.  Unlimited deductions are available for amounts left to a surviving spouse or qualified […]

HF&F is Hiring – Estates & Trusts Paralegal

We are looking for a motivated paralegal to join our busy Estates and Trusts practice. The successful candidate’s primary responsibility will be to assist with Estate and Trust administration, including the preparation of probate filings, tax returns, and correspondence. Excellent organization and communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & Outlook) are required. […]

HF&F Seeks New Associate

Hassani, Focas and Fifer, P.A., an Estates and Trusts specialty firm in Towson, Maryland, seeks an associate attorney to join its growing practice.  This is a partner-track position offering top compensation and generous benefits for qualified applicants and an opportunity for rapid advancement. Because our practice relies heavily on IT solutions, computer skills or aptitude […]

COVID-19 UPDATE – our office is open

Our office is now open during regular business hours, and we are operating at full capacity.  We remain cognizant of the risk posed by COVID-19 and are taking proper precautions in accordance with the latest medical advice.  This includes social distancing, frequently sanitizing our office space, and wearing masks when meeting with clients. We also […]

NEW RETIREMENT ACCOUNT RULES: Congress relaxes requirements in response to coronavirus

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, enacted in response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, includes several provisions that modify retirement account contribution and distribution rules.  For example: Retirement account owners may withdraw up to $100,000 from retirement accounts without penalty. Income tax on withdrawals may be paid over three years. Withdrawn funds […]

REMOTE EXECUTION OF ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS NOW PERMITTED

Governor Hogan authorizes remote notarization and witnessing during COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 health crisis presents a unique challenge for estate planning attorneys.  Traditionally, most estate plan documents were executed under the attorney’s direct supervision in a face to face meeting.  Obviously, it is difficult to accommodate today’s “social distancing” guidelines in such a meeting.  While […]

COVID-19 ALERT – we remain available to assist you

Like the rest of the world, our firm is adapting to new ways of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are committed to providing quality legal services in a manner that is safe for our clients, professional partners, and members of our firm.  The following are some measures we have implemented to ensure safety, […]