Flat Fee Estate Planning

Your Will names a person to be in charge of your property after you pass away.  This person is responsible for selling or transferring the property to your heirs.  If you have minor children, you will also name a Guardian for your children if you pass away while they are still minors.  Everyone needs a Will, even if you do not own much property.  

A Revocable Trust, also referred to as a Living Trust, is a relationship that you set up while you are alive to manage your property.  You transfer title of your property (real estate, bank accounts, etc.) to the Trust, then you manage the property as a Trustee (rather than the property owner).  This type of Trust is not for everyone.  Contact our office to discuss whether a Revocable Trust is right for you.  

A Special Needs Trust (SNT)  is a very specific type of Trust that is used to provide benefits for a person who receives "means based" benefits, such as disability, while ensuring that they do not become disqualified for their benefits as a result of owning too much property.  A SNT must be drafted carefully to comply with both Federal and State regulations.  

A Healthcare Power of Attorney names an Agent to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are alive but cannot communicate your own decisions.   It also gives your Agent access to your medical information and permits Hospital Staff and Doctors to talk to your agent about your medical conditions.  

An Advance Directive (sometimes called a Living Will), gives your Agent instructions on how you want to be cared for in certain end of life medical conditions.  Your Directive is added to your Healthcare POA.  

A Financial Power of Attorney names an Agent to manage your property and money when you are alive but unable to manage your own affairs.  This could be due to a sudden medical issue such as a heart attack or stroke, or a long term condition that develops such as dementia.  You may also need a financial POA for an adult that needs assistance managing their property.  

A Power of Attorney can name an Agent to act for you for one specific purpose, such as selling or purchasing real estate.  This POA must be carefully drafted as it also gets recorded with the Deed to the property.  

The Deed represents your legal title to Real Estate.  There are many situations where you need to record a Deed to update ownership to real estate.  These can include divorce, death, partnership break-up,  LLC or Trust set-up or passing property to family members.  Our Firm can assist you with Deeds in Maryland, Virginia and The District of Columbia.