Estate Planning

When you frequently visit your aging parents in private and discuss serious matters like estate planning, you may worry about appearing as though you are exerting undue influence. This term refers to when you influence an older person by forcing or pressuring them to...

As your parents age, you may think more and more about what life will be like after they are gone. Part of this change includes them leaving a will for you and any other beneficiaries. Following a few rules and tips while talking to them about this sensitive subject...

Planning your estate will require time and patience. A reliable executor can assure that your affairs will settle according to your wishes. The person you choose to fill this role should have an adequate understanding of your strategy and intentions. Looking for...

Did you know that you can set up your bank and money market accounts to pay out upon death? You may even have insurance, retirement funds and other accounts with payable-on-death options. Therefore, you should contact each financial or transfer-on-death securities...

When you take on debt, it does not go away when you die. Your estate becomes responsible for it. The debts you owe could take money away from your family. But Maryland law does provide some protection for your heirs. An allowance Before creditors can take a dime from...

A trust is a vehicle you can use in estate planning that allows you to ensure what happens with assets after your death. There are two types of trusts: revocable and irrevocable. They are quite different, and it is especially important that you make sure you know how...

As you prepare your estate plan, inheritances, wills and trusts are minor components of the overall plan. Often people forget about another essential aspect of estate planning involving your healthcare. Unfortunately, as some adults age, they can no longer live...

In estate planning, your executor is the person who will carry out your final wishes. He or she will have to handle probate court, collect assets, pay debts and distribute your estate. The executor has various roles to play and your choice will determine how smoothly...

At the basics, estate planning involves planning what you want to happen to your assets after you pass and simplifying their execution for your executor. However, it can go far beyond that. It can also include a living will, disability income arrangements, transfer of...

A Maryland estate plan does not need to be complex or highly detailed to help you maintain control over your personal, financial and medical affairs. Having an estate plan in place is important, however, and having one in place helps makes things easier on your loved...