Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of arranging for an estate in event of the holder’s death. Plans use various documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more to eliminate uncertainties in the administration of an estate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. Guardians are also designated for minor children and beneficiaries in incapacity.

Estate planning is essential you and to the welfare of the loves ones you leave behind. In Maryland, if you die without a will, the State laws will dictate how your estate gets divided to among your surviving family members. And, for example, if you have minor children the State may require your spouse, if he or she is appointed guardian of your children, to report annually to the Orphans Court to account for the money and property he or she is handling on behalf of the children until they turn 18. To avoid these circumstances it is extremely important that every person execute a will specifically created to meet the client’s needs.

Specific final arrangements, such as whether to be buried or cremated, and advanced health care directives are also often part of the documents. More sophisticated estate plans may even cover deferring or decreasing estate taxes or wrapping up a business.

Attorney Dennis A. Hodge can help clients with a variety of estate planning issues, including:

• Wills/Trusts/Estates Probate
• Durable Power of Attorney
• General Power of Attorney
• Advanced Medical Directives
• Guardianship and Conservatorship
• Hospital and Hospice Visits available
• Caveat to Will ( Challenges to Wills because of forgery and undue influence)

Fill out our Free Appointment Scheduler or call us today to schedule a FREE initial consultation with an experienced estate law attorney.