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

sreichert@reichertlegal.com

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: Is a Living Trust a Good Idea?

A living trust is a written legal document that places assets in a trust which can still be used by the principle. Once the principle dies, the trust can be transferred to the designated beneficiaries. There are many benefits to creating a living trust. One reason to create a living trust is to avoid probate. […]

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 Much Does a Maryland Will Cost?

Post Image

Lawyers often charge on an hourly basis at rates that vary depending on the region of the country and experience of the attorney. Also, the thinking is that the estate planning needs of each person will be different therefore, the cost of a Will is affected by the amount of time it takes to review […]

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

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

Baltimore, Maryland Estate Planning Attorney: Can a Will be Changed or Modified Years After it Was Created?

Post Image

You can change your will at any time by signing an amendment known as a “codicil” or by having a new will prepared. Either a codicil or a new will must be executed with the same formal requirements under Maryland law as the original will. You should not attempt to change your existing will by […]

Read More

Randallstown, Maryland Estate Planning Attorney: Where to File a Will in Randallstown & Baltimore County

Post Image

Maryland law allows Wills to be filed with the county in which you live. As an estate planning attorney who works in Randallstown, I have encountered clients who have failed (or their attorney failed) to file their Will with the county. This is a critical final step in the Will creation process as it ensures […]

Read More