They say hindsight is 20/20, and when it comes to protecting your retirement assets, there is no do-over. Although people in Maryland and elsewhere are quitting their jobs in droves and many choosing to retire early, not all are confident that they have what they will...
Greenbelt IvyLaw Blog
Understanding the workings of a Maryland will contest
When Maryland residents sign their wills, most assume that their estate planning decisions will be enforced by the local court according to the terms spelled out in the will. Unfortunately, this assumption is not always borne out by future events. One or more...
Estate planning urgency is lacking for two-thirds of Americans
The past two years have been difficult for Maryland residents and people across the United States. While there were vast challenges and people needed to adapt professionally, personally and financially, there was one area where recent events did not yield a marked...
Understanding Temporary Protected Status
With the war in the Ukraine, the American media has provided vivid and terrifying pictures of Ukrainian families attempting to flee from the violence of the war. One of the most important programs for refugees seeking asylum from the chaos in Ukraine is the Temporary...
The eight steps to becoming a U.S. citizen
Many green card holders in Maryland dream one day of becoming a naturalized citizen. There are certain steps that must be taken to make this dream come true. The following is a brief overview of the eight steps permanent residents need to take to become a U.S....
Understanding the naturalization process
If an individual was born outside of the United States and would like to become a U.S. citizen, there are certain steps he or she can take. This is called naturalization and there is helpful information available about the application process. Application process...
How does a divorce affect your last will and testament?
When you go through a divorce, your estate plan may be the last thing on your mind. That’s perfectly natural, but it’s important to understand that it can have a large impact on many estate planning documents you have previously executed. Your will is one of them....
What are the basics of digital estate planning?
The idea of digital estate planning is fairly new. Indeed, while the internet has been around for the better part of two decades, we have only recently come to understand that our digital lives have value outside the internet. Social media Some people may wonder, what...
Entering the United States on a fiancé visa
The foreign-born families and spouses of U.S. citizens who wish to obtain a visa to enter the country can face numerous challenges during the process, especially as immigration laws are constantly changing. At 44.8 million, immigrants account for 13.7% of the U.S....
Estate planning is for everyone
When Greenbelt residents think of an estate plan, they may naturally assume it is something reserved for the wealthy, or people who are financially well off. That is simply not true. The truth is that everyone can benefit from setting up an estate plan. Changes in...