How Donald Trump’s Presidency May Impact Estates in Maryland
The 2016 Presidential campaign had varying proposals from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in many different areas. One area with the most pronounced differences between the two was on estates. When looking a policy around estate related issues, taxation typically is the most heated topic. On the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton proposed a 65%
Read MoreTypical Estate/Probate Attorney Fees in Maryland
What happens to the soul of a person after death remains a great unknown. What happens to the worldly goods left behind – and titled solely in their name – is no mystery. Those items become their estate. Through his or her will, the person bequeaths the estate to beneficiaries and names a person to
Read MoreWhat Happens if You Die Without a Will in Maryland?
No one wants to think about his or her own death, but it’s a fact of life. You’ve worked hard all of your life and want your assets to go to your loved ones. If you don’t have a will, the state of Maryland decides who gets your worldly goods. That may not match your
Read MoreInfluence of Genetics Within the Criminal Mind
Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film Minority Report, set in 2054, focuses on the PreCrime division of a police department. The PreCrime Unit’s job is stopping crimes before they occur. That’s now just 37 years in the future, and it is possible that sci-fi thriller accurately portrays the future. The answer may lie in genetic testing. Society
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How to Establish Power of Attorney for Medical Emergencies
Power of Attorney Emergencies strike out of nowhere. If a person is so badly injured or sick that he or she cannot make medical decisions, an individual with a power of attorney can perform these duties. In Maryland, separate documents are required for healthcare and financial power of attorney. The former document for health care
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New Maryland Laws Regarding Stalking and Domestic Violence
Each year, the Maryland General Assembly passes new laws during their session which takes place from mid-January to mid-April, and 2016 was no different. Although the laws are passed in the Spring, many do not take effect for months after the fact. October 1st is one of the key dates where bills often take effect.
Read MoreCreating a Living Trust in Maryland
People are increasingly turning to living trusts because of the flexibility of these estate planning tools. Also known as inter vivos trusts, a living trust permits you to place your assets in the trust while still controlling the property during your lifetime. The trust owns any assets placed in it. However, you can name yourself
Read More5 Things to Consider in a Maryland Divorce Process
Other than death, few life events are more stressful than divorce. When you are going through the Maryland divorce negotiation process, it’s easy to think in terms of harming your ex-spouse rather than helping yourself. In the long run, that is not a productive strategy. Protect your own interests by finding good legal representation and
Read MoreInheritance Tax in Maryland: How to Deal With It
Maryland is one of just two states imposing both an estate and inheritance tax. The other is nearby New Jersey. You do not have to worry about the latter tax if you inherit money from your spouse, parents, grandparents, siblings, or step parents. Property left to charity is also not subject to inheritance tax. However,
Read MoreHow the Justice Reinvestment Act Will Impact Criminal Law in Maryland
The Justice Reinvestment Act recently passed in Maryland with the objective of making substantial reforms to the state’s criminal justice system. One of the key themes of this Act is its prioritizing punishment and sentences for inmates based on the nature of the violence in their crimes. The purpose of this Act was to streamline
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