Although much of my law practice is focused on helping people to create or update their estate plans, I also have clients who have questions about the estate plan left behind by a recently deceased loved one. They may believe that the Last Will and Testament admitted to probate does not accurately … [Read more...]
How to Know When a Personal Representative Should Be Removed and Replaced
I often consult with people who recently lost a loved one, meaning they are going through a difficult time, often made more stressful by the legal process that follows. Probate is the formal legal process through which the court oversees the administration of a decedent’s estate, ensuring that … [Read more...]
Alzheimer’s and Testamentary Capacity in a Maryland Will Contest
The older population in the United States has been on the rise for decades now – and is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. Not surprisingly, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of older Americans facing Alzheimer's disease. Consequently, I have noticed an … [Read more...]
Reasons to Avoid Dying Intestate in Maryland
One of the first things that I discuss with new clients is how important it is to avoid dying intestate because it can create significant legal and financial complications for loved ones. Dying intestate means you have no valid Will or other enforceable plan, like a revocable trust. If you pass away … [Read more...]
What an In Terrerem Clause Can Do for You
Estate Planning practitioners field questions regarding disinheriting beneficiaries regularly. The second question often relates to what happens when that beneficiary or any other tries to have the estate plan or portions thereof overturned. An “in terrorem” or “no contest” clause usually acts as a … [Read more...]
