Protecting Your Family And Assets Through Legal Planning That Works

Having an estate plan that is carefully tailored to your unique goals and needs is invaluable. It provides you with control and the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for the future.

Here at IvyLaw Law Office, LLC, we have a deep commitment to providing convenient, personalized estate planning services. We craft comprehensive estate plans for individuals, couples, parents and professionals in Maryland and beyond.

The Benefits Of Customized Estate Planning

Estate planning is about preparing for every stage of life, not simply what happens after you pass away. It allows you to:

• Give what you want, when you want, to the people you want, in the manner you want
• Ensure that your children will be cared for in the future
• Protect your assets from the cost of long-term care
• Give you control over your financial and health care decisions if you become incapacitated
• It can help ensure a smooth distribution of assets when you pass away, which can minimize family conflict.

Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process and goes beyond document preparation. It is also not a one-time thing, as it is important to regularly review and update your plan to ensure it continues to meet your needs as you go through life’s changes. If you retain our law office, we will thoroughly and thoughtfully discuss your needs and goals, recommend customized strategies and prepare the documents that reflect your goals. As your trusted family advisers, we will handle all aspects of an estate plan that will provide for your loved ones and reduce or eliminate tax liabilities and probate fees.

Specific services include:

• Living trusts
• Powers of attorney
• Advance medical directives/living wills
• Wills
• Domestic partners’ planning
• Planning for physicians, dentists and pharmacists
• Letters of administration
• Pet trusts
• Irrevocable life insurance
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Prenuptial agreements
• Emergency planning
• Business succession planning
• High net worth estate planning

Our estate planning services are different from the “typical” law firm. We want to ensure that you are making the right decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Simply put, your plan should work when it’s needed most. We will help you get through every stage in the most convenient and efficient way possible by having a plan in place for now and your future.

Ensuring That Your Plan Is Up-To-Date As Life Changes

We have developed a system that will allow you to pay a flat fee for most of our services. Through our membership programs, you can keep your plan up to date to account for changes in the law and your family, assets or financial situations. We ensure that your assets are safe during your lifetime and available for your loved ones without the probate process after you pass away. We also design plans that will pass along your values, intangible assets, legacy and things you want to be remembered for to the people you love.

When you experience life changes such as a divorce, a new marriage that creates a blended family, the loss of a loved one, or an increase or decrease in your assets, our estate planning model will advise and assist you to prepare such documents that will account for such changes and effectively plan for the future.

Estate Planning To Protect Your Children

Planning for your minor children is very important. A will may not be enough to protect your children if you’re unable to return to them due to unforeseen circumstances. Your children are counting on you and your estate plan should begin with ensuring your children will always be taken care of by the people you want in the ways you want, no matter what happens. This will avoid them being taken into the custody of the Child Protective Services or family members that may not really want to take up the extra burden of caring for your children.

Additionally, the assets given to your minor children will end up in the probate process and the value of your assets may diminish in the process until your child turns 18 years old and gets a check for the balance without any guidance. At IvyLaw Law Office, LLC, we offer child care plans to cover, protect and prevent such unthinkable incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning

Our clients often have similar concerns about estate planning, so we have compiled answers to the most common questions we receive.

Do I really need an estate plan if I don’t have many assets?

Estate planning benefits everyone regardless of asset value. Without proper planning, your limited assets may be consumed by probate costs and legal fees that could otherwise benefit your loved ones. More importantly, estate planning addresses guardianship for minor children, health care decisions during incapacity and financial management if you become unable to handle your own affairs.

What happens to my children if I die without a will?

Without a will naming guardians, the court decides who raises your minor children based on state law and available family members. This process can be lengthy, expensive and may result in custody going to relatives you would not have chosen. The court may also appoint a separate person to manage any inheritance your children receive, creating additional complexity and costs. Child protective services may temporarily take custody until the court makes permanent arrangements, which can be traumatic for children already dealing with loss.

How much does estate planning cost?

Estate planning costs vary based on your specific needs and circumstances. At IvyLaw Law Office, LLC, we charge flat fees for most services, providing cost predictability from the beginning. Basic estate planning documents typically cost less than the probate fees your family would face without proper planning. We offer membership programs that help keep your plan current as laws change and your family situation evolves. The investment in proper planning prevents much larger costs and complications for your loved ones later.

When should I update my estate plan?

Review your estate plan when major life events occur, including marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset changes or relocation to different states. We recommend reviewing plans every three to five years, even without major changes, as laws evolve and your priorities may shift. Our membership programs make updates convenient and affordable, helping your plan remain effective throughout your lifetime.

What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

Wills direct asset distribution after death through probate court proceedings, while trusts can manage assets during your lifetime and after death while avoiding probate. Trusts provide greater privacy, faster distribution to beneficiaries and protection from court interference. However, wills remain important for naming guardians, handling assets not transferred to trusts and providing backup instructions.

Contact IvyLaw Law Office, LLC

Let us help you alleviate your anxiety and make estate planning about living. We charge flat fees for most of our estate planning services. We will listen to your needs and get started on strategies, protections and solutions for you and your loved ones. We want to serve as your lifetime lawyers.

Please contact us at 301-614-0811 or fill out the online contact form to set up an initial probate/estate planning consultation, or family and assets planning session.