December 2024 Q: I have established 529 plans for my grandchildren and have purchased life insurance policies on their lives. Is there anything else I need to do? A: Yes! You should do two things. First, since you’re the custodian of the 529 plans and owner of the...
November 2024 Q: Who are all these people mentioned in my documents? A: Allow me to clarify: Fiduciary – person who acts in a position of trust over another person or that person’s assets – everyone below is a particular kind of fiduciary. Trustee – fiduciary...
July 2024. Q: I’m the court-appointed guardian for my brother. He just died. What do I have to do? A: I’m sorry, both that your brother passed away and that you have to go through all the steps required for the termination of a guardianship. First, you have to...
June 2024. Q: My sister can’t pay her own bills anymore and can’t take care of herself. What can I do? She never signed a power of attorney. A: Your only option is to file in the courts for guardianship. Unfortunately, that’s a long, expensive and frustrating process....
April 2023. Comment: “This long power of attorney form doesn’t apply to me. I just have a bank account and a car!” In Maryland, estate planning powers of attorney are long. They have to be! That’s because your power of attorney only gives your “agent” – the person...
