Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen > Practice Areas > Estate Planning

Maryland Estate Planning Services

Estate planning is a process that every Maryland resident should pursue. Unfortunately, however, many people see estate planning as unnecessary and put it off until critically ill or nearing death. Although creating a plan, even during a crisis, is better than no plan at all, waiting until a tragedy strikes is never wise and is almost always less effective than beginning early. Not only is earlier planning less stressful, but it’s also likely to be more comprehensive as it plans for lifetime occurrences as well as after death. So act now and contact a seasoned estate planning attorney, and rest assured knowing that you and your family are prepared for whatever life-changing event may occur.

As an experienced Maryland and DC estate planning lawyer, Clifford M. Cohen is a knowledgeable attorney who has helped individuals in ranging life stages draft comprehensive estate plans. While preparing legal documents on your behalf is our focus, we’re genuinely invested in your well-being and establish long-term relationships with all of our clients. Provide your loved ones with peace of mind by planning your estate with the help of an experienced professional.

The Purpose of an Estate Plan

At the Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen, an estate planning lawyer serving Maryland, we design customized estate plans, unique to each of our clients. There is no set template and one size does not fit all.  Below are some of the things to consider when designing an estate plan:

• Do you want to avoid Probate?
• Who will determine if you are disabled?
• Who will control your assets if you are disabled?
• Who will make healthcare decisions for you when you cannot?
• Do you want to provide protection against creditor claims, divorce or other lawsuits?
• Do you want to ensure that your beneficiaries do not squander their inheritance?
• Do you own a business? What would happen to the business upon your demise?
• Do you have someone to operate the business or would it be sold?
• Is there enough liquidity in your estate to pay any potential estate tax?
• What would happen if you became frail or cognitively impaired?
• If you needed to go to a nursing home, how would you pay for that?

If you are unsure of what all should be in your estate plan, we can provide guidance through in-depth one-on-one conversations. Simply express your concerns, and we can make you aware of the documentation needed to ensure that it does not become an issue, but our involvement doesn’t stop there. We are fully invested in your future and will serve as your counsel throughout the estate planning process and beyond.

The Benefits of Working With An Estate Planning Lawyer

State laws provide specific rules as to who can be appointed to administer the estate, how they are appointed, and their duties once appointed. In drafting your will, an estate planning lawyer in Montgomery County ensures that all necessary provisions appear to make sure assets pass to your loved ones as you desire and as efficiently as possible.  

Here are some of the key benefits of working with a lawyer for estate planning:

Customized Plans:

An estate planning lawyer will work closely with you to understand your unique situation, goals, and concerns. They will create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs, ensuring that your assets and property are distributed exactly as you wish after your passing.

Legal Expertise:

Estate planning laws in Maryland can be complex and subject to change. An experienced lawyer will have in-depth knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations, helping you navigate potential challenges and ensuring your estate plan complies with all legal requirements.

Minimizing Taxes and Expenses:

A skilled planning attorney can help you minimize estate taxes and other potential expenses, ensuring that more of your assets pass on to your beneficiaries rather than being lost to taxes or administrative costs.

Avoiding Probate Delays:

Proper estate legal planning services can help avoid or minimize probate, which is the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets. By avoiding probate or using methods like revocable living trusts, your beneficiaries can receive their inheritance more quickly and with less hassle.

Incapacity Planning:

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away; it also includes provisions for incapacity planning. An attorney can help you establish powers of attorney, living wills, and other documents that dictate how your medical and financial decisions will be managed if you become incapacitated.

Protecting Beneficiaries:

If you have minor children, dependents with special needs, or other vulnerable beneficiaries, an estate planning lawyer can help you set up trusts or other mechanisms to safeguard their financial future and ensure they are cared for properly.

Avoiding Family Disputes:

Clear and well-drafted estate planning documents can reduce the likelihood of family conflicts over your estate after you’re gone. An attorney can help craft unambiguous and comprehensive documents that leave little room for interpretation or disputes.

Updating Your Estate Plan:

Life circumstances can change, such as marriages, births, deaths, or significant financial changes. An estate planning attorney can help you regularly review and update your plan to ensure it remains current and aligned with your wishes.

Peace of Mind:

Working with a professional to create a thorough estate plan provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order, your loved ones will be taken care of, and your wishes will be respected.

Legal Support During Probate:

If probate becomes necessary, having an estate planning lawyer can guide your family through the process, helping to minimize potential complications and streamline the distribution of assets.

 

When trusts are involved, at The Law Offices of Cliff Cohen, we pay careful attention in drafting the trust to ensure not only that it meets legal requirements, but also protects assets for your loved ones, while allowing enough flexibility to address unknown future events. Our number one priority is ensuring that your estate plan meets all your needs and that the law recognizes it. We do so by meticulously reviewing statutes and applying our legal knowledge when drafting all documents.

Personalized Attention from a Seasoned Legal Professional Specialized in Estate Planning Law Practices

When a loved one passes, it can place a heavy burden on family members and induce preventable stress. Take the necessary action to avoid such issues by inviting the help of an experienced attorney when drafting your estate plan.

As a seasoned estate planning lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland estate planning lawyer Clifford M. Cohen has over 35 years of experience and has helped many people safeguard their assets while protecting their families well-being. Don’t assume that things will work themselves out after you pass. Contact us today at 202-895-2799 for a free case evaluation.

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