IMPORTUNITY KNOCKS

By Tim Barkley. November 2016. Elderly and alone, my client had faced the future with fear. Widowed and childless, she relied on her money to secure her the attentions of her neighbors and nieces. Money was the carrot; the stick was her threat to write them out of the...

HOME ALONE II

By Tim Barkley. October 2016. Last month’s offering to our readers considered the effect of the Inheritance Tax on folks without spouse, siblings or children as estate beneficiaries. This month’s article offers practical steps to ease the task of your...

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!

By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. October 2015. “You gotta be kidding!” Her voice was excited as she looked down at the test results. “We’re pregnant! After trying and trying … we’re finally pregnant!” He smiled and grasped her hand, squeezed softly. Their eyes met and both...

THE NURSING HOME

By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. May 2015. “But I heard that the nursing home took everything when you went in. That’s what happened to my grandmother – she went in and they told her she had to sell everything and give it to them.” The attorney nodded. “That was one...

UNCOMPLICATING (MARYLAND ESTATE TAX)

By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. April 2015. “Let’s talk about uncomplicating your estate plan. “When your plan was created in 2005, the federal estate tax exemption had just risen to $1.5 million. The Maryland estate tax exemption was $1.0 million. Do you have any idea...