Wills: Establishing Your Legacy With Trevillian Law
At Trevillian Law, our lawyers are ready to help you understand the importance of your will in shaping your legacy and ensuring that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes. A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your passing. Depending on your situation, your will may also:
- Name a personal representative (executor)
- Incorporate a testamentary trust
- Express your preference for a guardian of any minor children who survive you
Whether you’re looking to create a new will or update an existing one, our team of attorneys is here to assist you with sensitivity to your needs and priorities
Types Of Wills Our Team Can Help With
Varieties of wills include simple wills, pour-over wills and living wills (also called advance directives), each serving different purposes based on your unique circumstances. We are a family-owned and operated firm; our attorneys were born and raised in Severn and have extensive experience in estate planning law.
Our lawyers empower our Maryland clients by providing them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about crafting and revising their wills.
Wills Versus Trusts In Maryland: Which Is Right For Your Family?
A will and a trust serve different purposes in Maryland estate planning. Either or both options offer distinct advantages based on your unique needs.
Families comparing a will versus a trust in Maryland should consider their goals and estate complexity. A trust offers broader benefits, but a will remains essential for most families. Our Severn estate planning attorney can help you determine which structure best supports your objectives.
Understanding Maryland Wills
A will is a legal document that becomes effective only after death. It allows you to direct how your property should pass and name a guardian for minor children.
Many families choose a will because they are affordable and relatively simple, making them a starting point for long-term planning. The primary drawback is that a will must pass through the probate process, which can delay access to assets and reveal sensitive financial information.
Advantages Of Living Trusts
A living trust holds and manages assets during your lifetime and after your death. It can also avoid probate in Maryland, keeping sensitive information confidential and enabling faster asset distribution. This is especially valuable for families who want minimal court involvement or streamlined administration for loved ones.
Your trust also provides ongoing management if you become incapacitated. Your chosen successor trustee can step in without court supervision, providing continuity and asset security. This level of control is not available through a will alone.
Trusts can work alongside a pour-over will in Maryland, serving as a final safeguard. It directs any remaining unaddressed assets into the trust at death, helping ensure everything is ultimately governed by the trust’s terms. While a pour-over will still requires probate, it can unify your plan and fill unintended gaps.
Deciding Between A Will And A Trust
Below are key points to consider when choosing between a trust and a will for your estate plan:
- Cost and setup: Wills are generally more affordable and easier to prepare.
- Privacy needs: Trusts keep your information private by avoiding probate.
- Guardian appointments: Only a will can name a guardian for minor children.
- Timing of control: Trusts manage assets during life, while wills take effect only after death.
Our Severn estate planning attorneys will work closely with you and help you decide whether you need a will, a trust or both in your plan.
Why Choose Trevillian Law?
We are an established general practice firm that is built for our communities, and our attorneys take pride in being compassionate, committed and protective of our clients’ rights. With years of experience dealing with local judges and prosecutors, they have developed close ties to the community and understand the details of many areas of the law in Maryland.
When you choose us, you can trust that you’re working with knowledgeable lawyers who are equipped to serve you well. They genuinely care about your well-being and that of your loved ones, and they are passionate about applying the law to protect your interests.
Here To Empower You
Without a will, your assets would be distributed according to Maryland’s intestate laws rather than according to your wishes. We commend you for taking action by considering us as a source of guidance with your will.
We offer no-obligation initial consultations to discuss your estate planning needs and, once you choose us, our attorneys will provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation. Our flexible office hours ensure that we can accommodate your schedule, including offering appointments outside of regular business hours if necessary.
When do you need a will and how often should you review or update it? Some good rules of thumb are to create a will as soon as you are an adult with assets and to review or update it as follows:
- When you go through life changes affecting your family structure, such as marriage, divorce or becoming a parent
- When you have significant changes in your life, such as becoming a homeowner or business owner or inheriting property
- When you change residency to another state
- Every five to 10 years in general
Whether you’re just starting to think about creating a will or need to update an existing one, our team is here to guide you, paying close attention to your goals.
Get In Touch With Us About Your Will Today
Take the first step toward securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones’ future through estate planning by contacting Trevillian Law.
Call 410-609-9987 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Alternatively, follow this link to reach out to us online. Let our lawyers be your trusted Maryland law advocates as you navigate the process of creating or updating your will.