Learn the basics of how assets are distributed after death, including a discussion of Wills, Trusts, and the probate process in Montgomery County, Maryland from Cathy’s recent appearance on public television. By watching this short program, you will see Cathy’s unique ability to explain and discuss these topics. Click here to view the program.
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Don't leave it to lawyers and the courts to divvy up your belongings after you're gone.
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Click to view or print our list of 10 common misconceptions about IRAs: Most Common IRA Misconceptions | pdf
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The articles and commentary are endless about the fact that Prince did not have a Will even though he was reportedly worth zillions of dollars and had serious “health issues” (at least issues considered serious by his attorney, according to a recent news article). One article “You might not have Prince’s ‘Pop Life' — but you should have a will" in The Washing…
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The revocable (so-called “living”) trust affords another option for the transfer of assets upon death. There are several pros and cons to using a trust rather than a will as your primary estate planning document. A revocable trust can act as a will substitute and in many cases can avoid the need for probating your estate. Much has been written recently on the use of tr…
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Recently, I learned a very important lesson: it’s very important to know how our estate planning clients have their assets titled. My lesson? Advise my clients early and often that if the client decides to change the “ownership” of an asset (whether by adding another person to a checking account so that the person can pay bills or by filling out paperwork so that the…
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I am hearing and reading more and more stories about financial abuse of elderly people and a recent article in The Washington Post (Thursday, May 12th) gives me even greater concern. The story reports how “nurses” hired through a reputable agency nonetheless turned out to be crooks, at least based upon the allegations in a complaint filed against the agency and the ind…
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If you have minor children who are to benefit from assets devised by a beneficiary designation, it’s important to have a mechanism whereby the minor child’s interest in the asset is protected and available for the minor child’s support. This requires careful planning.
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Serving as Personal Representative (sometimes called “executor”) of someone’s probate estate is an honor, of course, but the job can be fraught with complications and pitfalls. Even though the probate process in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia is relatively simple, below are listed some of the most common mistakes made by people who try to go it alone…
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Have you thought about preparing a power of attorney document to give a family member or friend power to handle your financial affairs if you are unable to do so because of a disability?
Almost all of us have thought about the need to do advance medical directives because of the Terri Schiavo case. But have you thought about the need to prepare a power of attorney document…
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