Charles County Will Attorney
Helping Clients Craft Powerful Wills to Prepare for the Future
Creating or updating a will may be the most important legal action you take in your lifetime. At a modest expense, you can protect valuable assets and make things much easier for your family someday. Ironically, the primary benefit of a well-crafted will may eventually go to someone else, such as your next of kin or favorite charities. At the same time, you can also enjoy valuable peace of mind.
It’s important to remember that creating a proper estate plan can be complicated. You can benefit from the legal talent and knowledge that estate planning lawyers like Attorney Selby provide. Our legal team can answer questions, explain your options, minimize costs, and prepare legally sound documents that protect your family in the future.
Do you have doubts and questions about what a will can do or when you should create or update your estate plan? At Griffin Selby Law PLLC, initial consultations are free. An insightful conversation with Attorney Karen M. Selby can give you clear direction. If you live in Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, Calvert County, Charles County, or the surrounding areas in Southern Maryland, we can help with your estate plan. Call today at 301-685-7873 to schedule your free initial consultation!
What Are Some Fundamental Aspects Of Wills In Maryland?
According to the Office of the Register of Wills of Maryland, a will is a “legal declaration of a parent’s intentions and desires” regarding “how you want your property distributed after death.” Wills are crucial in most estate plans as they provide instructions on how you want your wishes carried out after your death. These foundational estate planning documents work hand in hand with trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other legal documents.
The Office of the Register of Mills also enumerates other items that can be in your will, including:
- The designation of a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) who will be responsible for administering your will
- Charitable bequests
- Your choice of a guardian for your minor children in case both parents lose their lives before the children are grown
- One or more trusts that can be built into the will
If you die without a will and with no surviving spouse, your family will face extra steps and expenses. State laws will determine who inherits your assets. A court may choose a guardian for your children with no record of your say in the matter. If no family members who qualify as heirs survive you, your assets will go to the state. Most people who learn the basics about wills, property, and inheritances come to understand the importance of a will for protecting a family home and other key assets.
What Makes a Will Valid in Maryland?
During the estate administration process, one of the most critical steps is proving the validity of the will. One common issue families face in Maryland probate occurs when someone challenges the will’s validity. These challenges can delay proceedings and lead to costly legal battles, draining the estate. To prevent your family from dealing with disputes, it is critical to create a legally sound will according to Maryland law.
Some aspects that make a will valid in Maryland include:
- The testator must be at least 18 years old
- The testator must be of sound mind and not acting under duress or threat
- The will must be signed by two credible witnesses in the presence of the testator
- The will must be written, which can include being typed or handwritten (oral wills are not recognized in Maryland)
Taking the time to prepare and finalize a will can make all the difference when you pass away and your estate goes through probate. Reach out to our Charles County estate planning lawyer to learn more about how we can help. We’ll walk you through the process so you can be sure your affairs are in order now, giving you peace of mind and security for the future.
How Can Estate Planning Lawyers Help with Will Creation?
Estate planning lawyers handle many tasks concerning estate planning and administration. One common question we hear is whether it is necessary to hire a lawyer to create a will. Please remember that a will you download online will probably not address the many facets of your unique life. Only with a lawyer can you adequately protect your money, business, real estate, retirement accounts, and other assets.
When you hire Attorney Selby to create a will, she will take the time to discuss your options and ensure your estate planning documents match your family’s unique situation. You can also rest assured that you have someone with legal acumen on your side should any disputes arise. With our estate planning lawyer handling your will, you’ll also have someone there in case of family changes in the future, including marriage, death, divorce, and the birth of family members.
Our law firm can also help with estate administration when you or your loved one passes away, such as paying creditors, filing estate taxes, navigating disputes, and more. Please don’t put off the small amount of time it takes to prepare for the future. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
Should You Hire Our Charles County Will Attorney?
Anyone with assets and people or causes they care about is advised to have a will. Get answers to your questions about estate planning from Griffin Selby Law PLLC. Create or update your will as the foundation of your estate plan.
Are you having estate planning anxiety? Let estate planning attorney Karen M. Selby answer your questions and address your concerns. Our legal team goes to extra lengths to make legal counsel affordable and accessible. We offer flat-rate pricing so you always know what to expect.
To schedule a free consultation, call our Waldorf law offices at 301-685-7873 or complete a simple online form. We are standing by to take your call, so contact us today!