wills – Law Offices of Thomas Stahl

How Does Divorce Impact Your Estate Plan in Maryland and the District of Columbia?

Closeup, hand and last will for document in office for testament, insurance or future planning. Fun.

A Maryland or District of Columbia divorce DOES impact your Estate Plan. Essentially, in either jurisdiction, a finalized divorce will automatically disinherit your ex-spouse from receiving anything under your Will. For this and other reasons, after a D.C. or Maryland divorce, it is crucial that you update and revise your complete Estate Plan. However, a Last… Continue reading How Does Divorce Impact Your Estate Plan in Maryland and the District of Columbia?

Why You Should Not Use an Internet Service for Maryland/D.C. Estate Planning

Find everything online. Closeup of a search bar on a computer screen

Everyone needs estate planning. Maryland and District of Columbia estate planning is not for the elderly or for the rich. Everyone needs estate planning. But you need estate planning done by experienced, trained, talented, and human estate planning attorneys. Yes, you can get a cheap Last Will and Testament off the internet. But that is not wise.… Continue reading Why You Should Not Use an Internet Service for Maryland/D.C. Estate Planning

Maryland/DC Will Contests: What Happens if a Last Will and Testament is Invalidated?

If a person in Maryland or the District of Columbia dies and the person had a Last Will and Testament (Will), there are some circumstances where an heir, a dispossessed heir, or another person might bring a legal challenge to the Will. Contesting a Will — called a “Caveat Proceeding” in Maryland — involves filing… Continue reading Maryland/DC Will Contests: What Happens if a Last Will and Testament is Invalidated?

Do I Have to Amend My Will After a Divorce in Maryland/D.C.?

Yes, after a divorce, you must amend any Last Will and Testament (“Will”) that has been prepared and executed. Why? It is exceedingly rare that a Will would be prepared by a married person that did not bequeath assets and property to their spouse. However, now that you are divorced, presumably, you do not want… Continue reading Do I Have to Amend My Will After a Divorce in Maryland/D.C.?

What is a Codicil To a Will?

Codicil to will by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free A “Codicil” is a legal term that means an amendment to a person’s Last Will and Testament (“Will”). Like a Will, a Codicil must be in writing and must identify the Will in question. The language typically used is similar to this: “On this ______… Continue reading What is a Codicil To a Will?

Maryland and DC Estate Planning Attorneys Explain How a Last Will and Testament Can Avoid Family Probate Litigation

In Maryland and the District of Columbia, most people prepare a Last Will &Testament (“Will”) as a means of providing final instructions for such matters as burials and how property/assets are to be distributed upon passing. But there is another important reason to have a Will drafted and properly executed: avoiding probate litigation among family… Continue reading Maryland and DC Estate Planning Attorneys Explain How a Last Will and Testament Can Avoid Family Probate Litigation

Maryland and DC Estate Planning Attorneys: What Does a Personal Representative Do?

If you are preparing your Last Will & Testament (and other Maryland/DC estate planning documents), among other things stated in your Will, you will need to nominate a “personal representative” (and, often, a secondary and tertiary personal representative). In some jurisdictions, this person is called an “Executor.” So, the question is: what does a personal… Continue reading Maryland and DC Estate Planning Attorneys: What Does a Personal Representative Do?

Top Reasons For Having a Will in Maryland

Preparing a Last Will & Testament is important for many reasons, even for younger people. A Will is an official legal document that allows the person making the Will to direct what will happen to their assets after death. A Will must be prepared and executed in the proper manner pursuant to Maryland law to… Continue reading Top Reasons For Having a Will in Maryland

You Need More Than Just A Last Will & Testament

Estate planning in Maryland and the District of Columbia is not just for those in mid-life or for seniors. One important reason for this is that estate planning is not just about creating and executing a Last Will & Testament. There are several other important documents that should be considered and drafted that are just… Continue reading You Need More Than Just A Last Will & Testament

Maryland Wills: Who Can Be My Personal Representative/Executor

Choosing a Personal Representative is one of the decisions that must be made when a person has a Last Will & Testament drafted. In many States, the word used is an “Executor.” Maryland has some legal rules with respect to who can be chosen as a Personal Representative. Here is a quick primer. What does… Continue reading Maryland Wills: Who Can Be My Personal Representative/Executor

Maryland Office

6990 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 360
Columbia, MD 21046

(410) 696-4326

Washington, DC Office

2001 L Street N.W., Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036

(202) 964-7280

Category: wills