The start of a new year brings about renewed energy towards accomplishing goals, but how often do we tend to fizzle out only after a few short months? If one of your goals for 2022 is to finalize your estate planning needs you will want to set some realistic expectations and guidelines for achieving these …
Maryland is one of only six states that levies an inheritance tax. (Maryland also imposes an estate tax, making it the only state to levy both.) The good news is that close relatives are typically exempt from Maryland inheritance tax, and with proper planning, an experienced Maryland estate planning attorney may be able to …
There are several reasons why you might want your estate to avoid Maryland probate after you pass away. The probate process can be frustrating, time-consuming, and costly. In addition, probate is a public process, meaning anybody can get information about your debts, creditors, assets, and more. Probate can also take a very long time complete, …
Wills are contested more often than you might imagine. This is why it is so important to have an experienced Maryland estate planning attorney design and implement your will and other crucial legal documents. Let’s begin with a quick definition. When a person “contests” a will, he or she is asking the court to …
Revocable living trusts are estate planning documents that can give the grantor (the person for whom the trust is created) complete control over his or her assets during life, in the event of in capacity, and after death. Unlike a will, a revocable living trust is a legal entity that can own property. The …
When a person passes away without a will (or, in the case of certain assets, without designated beneficiaries), the decedent’s assets are distributed according to what is known as intestate succession. In this situation, “who gets what” follows strict guidelines established by the state of Maryland. Broadly speaking, these guidelines mandate that assets be distributed …
Let’s begin with a look at the numbers. The current federal estate tax exemption is $11.7 million for individuals and $23.4 for couples filing jointly. Assets in excess of these amounts will be taxed at a graduated rate between 18 and 40 percent depending on the size of the estate. In Maryland, the 2021 exemption …
In Maryland, an executor (also known as a personal representative) plays a crucial role when it is time to settle an estate and distribute assets after a loved one has passed away. Working with an attorney who has knowledge and experience in estate administration is also crucial, since the attorney can help make this complex …
Let’s start with some context. First, as we have noted in previous blog posts, probate is a court-supervised process whereby an individual’s debts are paid and the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries after the individual in question passes away. (The person who has died is known as the decedent.) Second, probate is not required …
As the name implies, a demand letter “demands” that the letter’s recipient take specific actions to resolve a conflict. Demand letters are frequently used by businesses to demand restitution or the payment of a debt, and they often serve as a precursor to a lawsuit. In general, a demand letter contains all of the following: …
Cliff takes the time to get to know the client and their situation so that he can apply his extensive expertise and help each person with their individual needs. You can tell that he cares.
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Zach
We used Attorney Cohen for the planning of my mother's estate. He was extremely thorough and able assist in all areas of need. We would highly recommend him for estate planning.
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Amy
Attorney Cohen is well versed in his field and provides prompt, highly personalized "white-glove" service in the areas of wills and trusts, with specific focus on providing necessary legal services for the elderly.
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Daniel
Mr. Cohen provides very friendly, personalized, professional, through and responsive will / trust services at reasonable rates. I strongly recommend Mr Cohen to anyone requiring such services.
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James
I feel very lucky to have found Cliff Cohen as my Attorney. He has helped me understand my late husband's Will and Trust and prepared mine. He also resolved some other family issues. I am always very pleased with his advice and I recommend him to everyone
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Hortensia
Mr. Cohen helped my parents with their estate planning. He was very thorough, thoughtful and showed a great deal of patience throughout the entire process. He made my parents feel confident that their financial affairs are now in order. Thanks again Mr Cohen for your amazing...
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Chris
Cliff Cohen has been my parent's estate planning attorney for many years now. I have only had the pleasure of meeting him the past few meetings as my folks have gotten much older and require more of my care. It is such a relief to know they are in such good hands with Mr. Cohen...
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Elisa
I used Cliff's legal services for writing a Will - something I avoided for years. Cliff made it easy and understandable. He endeavored to understand my needs and wishes. The legal documents Cliff delivered were exactly what I wanted and I felt well taken care of.
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Vicki
So, so grateful to you for helping to take care of my parents and their estate. I'm so glad they found you many years ago and appreciate all you've done and how you're always there whenever we have questions! Thank you a million times over!
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Elisa
Cliff Cohen has provided very valuable insights on estate planning and elder law as my husband and I dealt with family issues and as we now approach retirement. We highly recommend his legal services.
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Christina
I am extremely pleased to say just how unbelievably wonderful it has been for my wife and I to work with our attorney, Cliff Cohen, on complex subjects involving wills and trusts for our family. Andi and I were expecting to endure hours and hours of stressful “legalese” language...
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