Creating A Will May Seem Overwhelming, But It Doesn’t Have To Be
Planning ahead for the future can sometimes seem like an overwhelming task. It may be difficult to think about a time when you are unable to provide for your loved ones, although it is a critical step you can take to make certain that your loved ones are taken care of. We can help you make that step.
The Law Office of Kevin L. Beard, P.A., is an experienced law firm in Catonsville, Maryland, that represents individuals and families throughout the greater Baltimore area in wills and estate administration matters. While our firm is established and rooted in the community, we continually stay up to date with the law and work to build strong attorney/client relationships with every person we work with. Our lawyers assist clients in a variety of estate planning matters, including:
- Basic wills
- Power of attorneys
- Advance medical directives (living wills)
- Probate – the handling of an estate after someone has passed
Each of these documents serves a distinct purpose, and having the right combination in place gives your family clarity and legal protection when they need it most.
Why Is It Important To Have A Will?
It may seem easy to put off creating a will, but doing so leaves critical decisions in the hands of a judge rather than your own. Whether you are just starting a family or have significant assets to protect, a properly drafted will ensures your wishes are carried out on your terms.
Our Catonsville will attorneys explain the process of drafting a will and walk through the factors worth considering along the way. We discuss your options with you directly so you have the information needed to make a decision that fits your family’s specific situation.
What To Expect When Working With Our Firm
One of the reasons people put off estate planning is that they are not sure what the process involves. Here is a straightforward look at how it works when you work with our Catonsville estate planning attorneys.
Step 1: Free Initial Consultation
We start by getting to know you. In that first conversation, we ask about your family, your assets and what you want to accomplish. There is no pressure and no obligation. By the end of the meeting, we have a clear sense of which documents make sense for your situation and what the next steps look like.
Step 2: Document Preparation And Review
Once we understand your goals, we prepare your estate planning documents. Whether that means a will, a power of attorney, an advance directive or a combination of all three, we walk through each one with you in plain language before anything is signed. You should understand exactly what each document does and why it matters.
Step 3: Execution And Peace Of Mind
When you are satisfied with the documents, we guide you through the signing process. Maryland has specific requirements for how wills and other estate documents must be executed to be legally valid. We make sure every formality is handled correctly so the documents hold up when your family needs them.
From the first call to the final signature, our goal is to make this process feel manageable rather than stressful.
Common Questions About Wills And Estates In Maryland
Our clients in the Catonsville area often come to us with questions specific to Maryland law and Baltimore County procedures. Here are answers to the ones we hear most often.
What happens to my Catonsville home if I pass away without a will?
Without a will, Maryland’s intestacy laws determine what happens to your property, including your home. The state follows a set legal order of inheritance that does not account for your personal wishes or family circumstances. Depending on whether you have a surviving spouse, children or other relatives, the outcome may look very different from what you would have chosen. A will puts those decisions where they belong, with you.
How long does the probate process take in Baltimore County?
The timeline depends entirely on what the estate involves. When the assets are straightforward, the will is clear and everyone named in it is cooperative, most estates in Baltimore County move through probate in roughly six months to a year. Add real estate, a family business or beneficiaries who disagree about how things should be handled, and the process can stretch considerably beyond that. Knowing how the Baltimore County Orphans’ Court works and what it expects at each stage keeps things moving and reduces the risk of delays that nobody wants during an already hard time.
Do I need to update my will if I am going through a divorce?
Yes, and it is worth doing sooner rather than waiting for the divorce to be finalized. Maryland law does revoke certain provisions that benefit a former spouse after a divorce, but it does not touch everything. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies and financial accounts are separate from your will and are not automatically updated when a marriage ends. If your current will names your spouse as executor or includes provisions that Maryland law does not automatically revoke, those need to be reviewed and updated. A divorce is one of the clearest signals that your entire estate plan needs a fresh look.
Take The First Step. Call Our Office.
Estate planning isn’t difficult, but taking the first step can be hard. At the Law Office of Kevin L. Beard, P.A., we promise to make the process as easy as possible. To learn more in a free consultation, call our firm at 410-929-7197 or 410-744-3373. You can also contact us online.