Wills & Estates Law

Estate Planning

You have provided for your loved ones. But what will happen when you are no longer able to make decisions to provide for them? You cannot afford to make any assumptions regarding your family's long-term financial security. At the Lafayette Law Office, we will assist you in planning for the future.

Wills and Estates

A will is a written document that directs the disposition of your property after your death. If you die without a will, state law will determine how your probate assets will be distributed.

In your will, you may name the person who will serve as guardian if you and your spouse both die while the child is a minor (under the age of 18). A will also gives you the opportunity to create trusts that will control how, when and under what circumstances your assets will be turned over to your children. In this way, you can prevent funds from being distributed to children before they are mature enough to handle them responsibly

Anyone who is a least 18 years of age and of sound mind can make a will. Here in Maryland, you must sign your will, and two or more witnesses must sign the will in your presence. Each witness must be at least 18 years of age. However, your will should be prepared by a lawyer in order to structure the will so that it reduces death taxes, ensures that the property will be distributed as you desire and satisfies other legal requirements affecting your estate.

At the Lafayette Law Office, we know that the estate planning needs of each person will be different. The amount of time it takes to review your personal and financial affairs and to prepare the will shall affect the cost. Contact us for a consultation.

Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney allows you to appoint someone now who will take care of your financial and personal affairs if you become incapacitated in the future. Your family would otherwise need to go to court to have a guardian appointed, and that person would be answerable to the court. The person you name is called your attorney-in-fact, and has whatever powers you grant him or her in your will.

Advance Directive for Health Care

An advance directive, sometimes known as a living will, is necessary to instruct your family and your doctors what to do in the event you are hospitalized and are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. This document appoints a person to make those decisions for you. It provides information to the doctor and your appointee about your wishes for life support, pain medication and related matters.

At the Lafayette Law Office, we can explain all of your options that will be best for you and your family. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.