Estate Planning for Childless Couples: How to Prepare and Steps to Take Many estate planning discussions focus on how people can pass their assets to their children, but estate planning is equally as important for people without kids. A comprehensive estate plan can protect your assets, ensure that your wishes are honored, and also determine …
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: …
Let’s start with the good news. The vast majority of us are not subject to federal estate taxes because the current threshold is $11.7 million for individuals and $23.4 for couples filing jointly. Unfortunately, the threshold for Maryland’s estate tax is considerably less. If a Maryland resident passes away in 2021 and has an estate …
A contract is an agreement between private parties that creates mutual legal obligations. There are four fundamental elements necessary to make a contract legally enforceable: mutual assent, adequate consideration, capacity, and legality. The terms “void contract” and “voidable contract” may sound similar, but these two types of contracts are entirely different. A void contract cannot …
Home prices are skyrocketing nationwide thanks to low mortgage interest rates, strong demand, and limited supply. According to the National Association of Realtors, 88 percent of metropolitan areas in the U.S. saw double-digit price increases in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Realtor.com reports that as of April 3, …
A Letter of Intent, also called a Letter of Instruction, is a document outlining your wishes on a wide range of matters. Unlike a Last Will and Testament, which is a legally binding expression of your wishes, a Letter of Intent is an informal document. Your executor and loved ones are not required to abide …
One of the more common misconceptions about trusts is that they are only for celebrities and the wealthiest of families. Not so. Trusts can accomplish a wide range of planning objectives, many of which apply to “regular folks.” Let’s look at few examples. Avoiding Probate Probate is a legal process whereby an individual’s debts are …
If you have lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA now offers financial assistance for funeral expenses. Assistance is available retroactively for funeral expenses incurred after January 20th of last year. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for assistance from FEMA, your loved one must have passed away in the United States (including U.S. territories …
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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