Arden Law Firm   410-216-7000
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Firm Overview      Estate / Life Planning
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 Estate Planning.

 
Common estate questions:

Arden Law Firm offers a basic estate planning package that includes a Last Will & Testament with trust language for children/grandchildren (if desired), Power of Attorney, Advance Directive and Health Care Power of Attorney.  

Revocable Living Trusts and Life Estates are also available.  

ADULT GUARDIANSHIP.  

Maryland law provides for two types of adult guardianship for a disabled adult --- Guardianship of the PERSON and Guardianship of the PROPERTY.   Before either type can be filed, medical personnel must certify that the person is not able to make decisions for themselves. 

Guardianship proceedings for a disabled adult starts with filing a PETITION.   Questions about
the process?  Call Arden Law Firm at 410-216-7000.  

ADMINISTERING ESTATES.

 
 
In Maryland, an estate must be "opened" after someone dies. 
The person responsible for handling all the estate matters, including
paperwork and finances is called a "PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE" (some jurisdictions call this role 
an "administrator" or "executor").  The process starts by filing a Petition.
 
The law requires that the personal representative do certain things, like take
charge of the decedent's property, identify interested persons, get necessary 
appraisals, notify creditors and so forth.  Depending on the will and amount 
of estate assets, full or nominal bond may be necessary.  
 
Overwhelmed with managing a loved one's estate?  ARDEN LAW FIRM offers assistance
Call 410-216-7000 for a no-cost phone consult of up to 10 minutes.  
 
 


Answers to FAQ:

Q: How do I avoid probate?
A:  By ensuring that you own nothing in your own name at death.  Sometimes 
this is accomplished by means of a trust.  
 
A:  There are many types of trusts for different purposes.  You may not need a 
trust, but you may find a trust helpful if any of the following apply:
 a) you have minor children
 b) you are in a second marriage or have children from an earlier marriage 
 c) you have assets significant enough to trigger inheritance taxes
 d) you have a beneficiary with special needs
 e) you want to preserve property (like a home) and specify how it is used after
your death
 
Q: My mom (or dad) is suffering from advanced dementia -
 how do I get the power to legally manage her (his)  affairs?
A:  The easiest way is by a properly prepared Power of Attorney made
while the now disabled person was still competent.  If that didn't happen
guardianship may be necessary.  
 
 
A: Maryland law specifies how property is divided if you die without a will.
It surprises some people to learn that if a spouse has either parents or children
still living, persons besides the spouse  may be entitled to half of the property
 (after a modest spousal allowance).