Most people have the best of intentions when it comes to estate planning arrangements, but failing to obtain timely legal counsel from a qualified lawyer can jeopardize your legacy and your loved ones. If you’re a resident of Montgomery County, there’s no need to travel far to find skilled legal guidance. My Rockville practice, The Berk Law Firm, LLC, offers reliable, cost-effective advice on wills, trusts, advance medical directives and other legal instruments that enforce important instructions. I draw on nearly 20 years of legal experience serving clients in the D.C. metro area and work hand in hand with them to develop comprehensive estate plans that provide security and peace of mind.
However you wish to disperse your estate assets when you pass away, establishing a proper will is essential to avoid intestacy and address property that isn’t otherwise covered. I guide clients in the D.C. metro area and the surrounding region through each phase of the process, including:
In a free initial consultation, my firm can help you assess your situation and develop a framework for completing an authoritative, accurate will that reflects your final wishes.
Trusts are asset protection devices that many people find intimidating or confusing, and the common perception is that they’re only for the rich. But these instruments can meet specific needs regardless of whether the trust creator is blessed with great wealth or not. For example, a living trust allows you to benefit from your assets during your lifetime and then have them transfer upon your death to your beneficiaries. Because those assets are held in trust rather than in your estate, there’s no need for them to pass through probate, saving loved ones both time and expense. Based on your goals, I can explain whether a trust may be a useful tool within your overall estate plan.
In an instant, a severe accident or illness could make you incapable of clearly expressing your wishes regarding potentially lifesaving treatment or end-of-life care. Without a document spelling out your wishes, you risk putting loved ones in the heartbreaking position of having to make those decisions for you. Advance directives ensure your wishes are known and followed while sparing family members from having to make difficult decisions on their own. My firm drafts living wills that clearly express your specific treatment wishes during dire medical situations. I can also prepare a document in which you appoint a trusted person to act as your healthcare agent so that your instructions are carried out.
The Berk Law Firm, LLC assists Maryland clients with a full range of estate planning matters, including the creation of wills and trusts. Please call 301-679-5009 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation regarding your situation. My office is in Rockville.