Estate Planning Awareness Week · October 19–25
Does your current plan do what you want it to?
Every Maryland family already has an estate plan. If you haven't written your own, state law, beneficiary forms and the courts fill in the blanks. This page collects our articles and guides for the week, from the basics every family should know to the Maryland issues that matter for larger estates.
Schedule Your First ConversationFree guidesFoundational Planning for All Families
What happens under your current setup, and where it most often differs from what families actually want.
Maryland Already Wrote Your Estate Plan. Have You Read It?
Who inherits, who raises your children and who acts for you if you can't, under Maryland's default rules.
Read the article →Before You Let a Chatbot Write Your Will
Why a polished AI-drafted will can still fail, and what to check if you've already used one.
Coming soonThe Estate Planning Document You Signed on Your First Day of Work
Your 401(k) and life insurance follow the beneficiary form, not your will. What to check, especially after a remarriage or divorce.
Coming soonBefore the Will Matters: Planning for Incapacity and Long-Term Care
Powers of attorney, advance directives, and five ways to protect your estate from the cost of care.
Coming soonPlanning for a Child With a Disability When Money Isn't the Problem
Why benefits, waivers and a written plan for daily life matter as much as the trust.
Coming soonAdvanced Planning
For Maryland families with $3 million or more. The federal exemption is $15 million per person, but Maryland still taxes estates above $5 million at rates up to 16%.
The Estate Tax You Probably Thought Went Away
Maryland's $5 million exemption, what counts toward it, and what it costs.
Read the article →Your Trust Was Drafted for a Different Tax Law
Portability, old credit shelter formulas and the Maryland-only QTIP election.
Coming soonBefore You Give It Away: Gifting, Basis and the Maryland Estate Tax
No Maryland gift tax, but the asset you give matters as much as the amount.
Coming soonTwo SLATs Are Not Twice as Good
Spousal trusts after the $15 million exemption, the reciprocal trust problem, and funding in Maryland.
Coming soonEstate Freezes for Maryland Business Owners
GRATs and sales to grantor trusts: keep today's value, pass on tomorrow's growth.
Coming soonWhy Your IRA May Be the Most Expensive Thing You Leave Your Children
Maryland estate tax plus the 10-year rule, and how Roth, charity and trust design change the math.
Coming soonThe Nevada Trust Pitch, and What It Means If You Live in Maryland
How Maryland taxes trusts, and what non-grantor trusts still do for Maryland families.
Coming soonWhat Actually Protects Assets in Maryland
For physicians, owners and landlords: what holds up when a Maryland creditor comes calling.
Coming soonWho Pays the Maryland Estate Tax, and With What?
Liquidity, life insurance ownership, buy-sell agreements and the clause that decides which child pays.
Coming soonFree guides
Download, print and share with your family.
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Schedule Your First ConversationThe articles and guides on this page are general information, not legal advice for your situation.