LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Spousal Election Law
A recent change in Maryland’s “spousal election law” (effective October 1, 2020) could significantly impact estate plans for married individuals, particularly those with “blended families.” A brief synopsis of this change is available HERE. Certain strategies available under prior law to ensure the effectiveness of a married individual’s estate plan may no longer be viable. […]
UNDERSTANDING INTESTACY – What happens without an estate plan?
Many people, particularly young adults, do not prioritize establishing or maintaining an estate plan. This may be for a myriad of reasons. One explanation we hear from many is that they believe their assets would pass the same way by law if they died intestate (without a will) as they would direct the assets to pass in their will. However, one cannot be certain of this without familiarity with the rules of intestate succession. Furthermore, this oversimplification disregards many other potential issues whereby family interests could be impaired if no plan is in place and intestacy laws are left to govern.
ESSENTIAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR NEWLY ADULT CHILD – Health Care Directives and Powers of Attorney
For most young people, turning 18 is a formative event. It often means graduating from high school, going off to college, and/or starting a career. For parents, it means that their child is no longer a child, figuratively and legally. Most people recognize that 18 is the age of majority, but few consider how a […]
MINOR BENEFICIARIES – Guardians, Trustees and Custodians
Parents of young children often worry about who will take care of their children if the parents die prematurely. Understandably, most parents’ primary concern in this regard is the day-to-day welfare of the children – i.e., who will ensure adequate shelter, clothing, food, education, etc. The person responsible for these matters is called the Guardian […]