(240) 201-2267Germantown Estate Planning Attorneys
Maryland Estate Planning Attorneys Helping You Plan For Your Family’s Future
Life in Germantown moves quickly, from the morning commute along I-270 to peaceful weekends at Black Hill Regional Park. You work hard to build a life for your family and grow your assets in this thriving Montgomery County community. But have you considered what should happen to those assets if you are no longer there to manage them? Our Germantown estate planning attorneys provide the legal insight and kindness you need to secure your legacy and protect your loved ones.
Planning for the future involves more than just writing a list of names. It requires addressing legal issues and drafting specific Maryland estate planning documents that ensure your wishes remain in control. At Paré & Associates, LLC, we offer the guidance you need to make these choices with ease. We serve clients who are ready to take these important steps and find true peace of mind.
If you are ready to secure your future and protect your family, do not wait for a crisis to occur. Contact Paré & Associates, LLC at 240-201-2267 today to schedule your consultation with our Germantown, MD estate planning lawyers.
Maryland Wills and the Risk of Intestacy
A last will and testament is the foundation of an estate plan. This document allows you to decide exactly who should receive your property and who will serve as the guardian for minor children. Without a valid will, Maryland law determines how your assets pass through a process called intestacy. According to the Maryland Office of the Register of Wills, if you die without a will, state statutes dictate the distribution of your estate to your heirs in a specific order.
Intestacy laws often lead to results that do not match your wishes. For example, your spouse might have to share assets with your children or parents in ways that make support difficult. Writing a will gives you the power to avoid these rigid rules. A will also allows you to name a Personal Representative to handle the probate process. Our Maryland estate planning attorney team works with you to ensure your will meets all legal requirements. Maryland requires a will to be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two credible individuals.
Benefits of Revocable Living Trusts
Wills are essential, but trusts provide an extra level of control and privacy. A revocable living trust allows you to hold your assets in a trust while you are still alive. You serve as the trustee and maintain full control over your property. Upon your death, a successor trustee takes over and distributes the assets to your beneficiaries without the need for probate.
Avoiding probate is a common reason our clients choose trusts. Probate is a public process that can be slow and require court fees in Montgomery County. Trusts allow for a faster transfer of assets and keep your financial matters private. Trusts also help manage legal issues related to incapacity. If you become unable to handle your affairs, your successor trustee can manage the trust assets for your care. This avoids a court-appointed guardianship, which can be expensive and stressful.
Advance Directives and Statutory Powers of Attorney
Estate planning involves making choices about your care and finances if you cannot speak for yourself. An Advance Directive is a vital document under the Maryland Health Care Decisions Act. It allows you to appoint a health care agent to make medical decisions and state your preferences for life-sustaining treatments. You must also protect your financial life. A Maryland Statutory Form Power of Attorney allows you to name an agent to handle your financial matters.
According to Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts § 17-202, using the state statutory form provides broad protections and requires banks to accept the document. Without these appointments, your family might have to go to court to gain access to your accounts. This process is often time-consuming and creates unnecessary stress. We ensure that you have the right documents in place to maintain control over your life and support your family during a medical crisis.
Maryland Estate and Inheritance Taxes in 2026
A common concern for our clients is how much of their legacy will be lost to taxes. Maryland is one of the few states with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax. While the federal estate tax exemption has increased to $15 million per person in 2026, Maryland has not followed suit. The Maryland estate tax exemption remains frozen at $5 million per person.
This gap means that estates valued between $5 million and $15 million owe nothing to the federal government but face a 16% state tax rate. Additionally, Maryland does not allow portability, which means a surviving spouse cannot automatically use a deceased spouse’s unused exemption without specific trust planning. We help you use credit shelter trusts to maximize these exemptions and reduce your tax exposure. The Maryland inheritance tax is a tax on the person who receives the property. But many family members are exempt. According to the Comptroller of Maryland, property passing to a spouse, child, parent, or sibling is generally exempt from inheritance tax.
Navigating Probate in Montgomery County
When a person passes away, their estate must go through probate to settle debts and distribute property. In Germantown, the Montgomery County Register of Wills handles these matters. This office is located in the Judicial Center in Rockville, where all probate filings for our area are processed. Probate involves filing the will, valuing assets, and notifying creditors. Maryland offers a simplified process for small estates.
According to the Maryland Register of Wills, an estate qualifies as small if assets are $50,000 or less ($100,000 if the spouse is the sole heir). For larger estates, the regular estate process requires more formal reporting and court oversight. Our staff assists Personal Representative appointments in understanding their duties and meeting all court deadlines. We work to ease the burden of probate so you can focus on your family. Whether you require help with the initial petition or handle final distribution, we provide professional support and kindness during this hard time.
Do not leave your family’s future to chance. Paré & Associates, LLC is ready to help you build a plan that reflects your values and protects your assets. Call our Germantown office at 240-201-2267 today to schedule your estate planning consultation.
(240) 201-2267
