Free Confidential Consultation. Call Now! 410-299-4959

sreichert@reichertlegal.com

For How Long is a Maryland Will Valid?

Post Image

As a general rule, a will governs the distribution of assets only after the testator dies. Any changes to a will that are made during the testator’s lifetime will be valid. A will is not active until the owner of the assets passes. For example, if a testator wills her home to her son, but […]

Read More

What is Common Law Marriage and Does it Exist in Maryland?

Common Law Marriage is a framework for individuals who are legally married in certain states without actually being formally recognized as married by the state. Typically these laws refer to couples who have cohabitated, or lived together for a certain amount of years. The requirements to achieve this threshold is different from state to state. […]

Read More

Maryland Estate Planning: How Do I Obtain Power of Attorney?

Post Image

In order to obtain power of attorney you must have the Principle decide the amount of power they wish to give. There are different types of power that falls into broad categories of Financial and Healthcare. For each of these powers to be granted, separate documents must be created. The General and Limited Power of […]

Read More

Can a Personal Representative Designated in a Will Act Before the Principal’s Death?

Post Image

A Personal Representative has no power to do anything before death. Only a Power of Attorney or court appointed guardian can act during the principal’s lifetime. As such, it is important to meet with a lawyer and execute the proper Power of Attorney documents before such an individual is needed, rather than later when issues […]

Read More

How to Revoke a Maryland Will

Post Image

Before deciding to revoke a Will you should discuss the pros and cons with an experienced estate planning attorney. There are many good reasons to revoke a Will but this should almost always include replacing the Will with a new updated Will. Creating a new Will is an excellent way to revoke a prior Will. […]

Read More

Are Maryland Wills Public Records?

Post Image

Wills of living persons in Maryland can be filed with the Register of Wills for the county in which the person lives. The wills are held for safekeeping by the Register of Wills but they are not part of the public records. In the State of Maryland you may not review the Will of a […]

Read More

Making Anatomical Gifts With a Maryland Will

Post Image

A will may include specific directions for your funeral or cremation and the disposition of your body. Because your will may not be reviewed immediately after death such directions should be communicated to family members, and contained in other documents, so they are aware of your wishes at the time of your passing. If you […]

Read More

Maryland Wills & Estate Planning: Disposing of Property Restrictions

Post Image

Are there any restrictions in the state of Maryland on the manner in which a will may dispose of property and can a wife or child be disinherited? A surviving spouse has certain rights that could alter the way in which you intended to dispose of your assets. Maryland laws prevent a spouse from being […]

Read More

Maryland Estate Planning: Creating Estate Planning Documents such as Wills, Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives

Post Image

Here are some good questions to ask an attorney when you are considering hiring that attorney to create an estate plan for you. These are questions that are sometimes asked of me and I have included my answers after each question. “How do you draft your estate planning documents?” I begin by learning what you […]

Read More

Maryland Estate Planning Lawyer: Does a Maryland Will Dispose of All Assets?

Post Image

No. A Will addresses only asserts that will pass through Maryland probate. These include assets that belong to you only and are not shared with another person. If property is owned jointly with another individual than that property may not be considered probate property. For example, if your house is titled as “joint owners with […]

Read More