December 2023. Revised August 2024 Q: What happens if everyone named in my will is deceased? A: Under Maryland law, if you are not survived by the beneficiaries named in your will, your estate (everything you own that does not have a living joint owner or beneficiary)...
November 2023. The man plucked at my elbow in the Post Office the other day. “You’re that guy!” he exclaimed, “that guy who writes for the paper.” Relieved that he had not mistaken me for some old enemy, I nodded and smiled. “Wait a minute, I know you!” said the...
October 2023. Q: I have a disabled daughter. Do I really need a trust? Can’t I just leave everything to my son to use for his sister? A: Yes, you can do that, but I’m not sure you should do that. If you leave everything to your son to use for his sister without any...
September 2023. Q: Do I need a trust? A: A trust is a bucket to hold money, for someone – a “beneficiary” – that needs the money but can’t have it in their own name. The classic beneficiary is a young child, someone with special needs, or someone consistently making...
August 2023. Q: Do I need a MOLST? A: The MOLST (the Maryland Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a way you can indicate your preferences and intentions about end-of-life care and treatment. For example, you can make it clear that you want, or do not want,...
July 2023. Q: I’m worried about getting dementia. Do I need to protect myself from my future self? A: That’s a good thought. Some of my clients worry about their power of attorney being misused, so they don’t want to sign it. But it’s really...
