Author Archives: Site Administrator
Are You Ready for ABLE?
As you may have heard, Congress enacted the Candy Machine 100 Dollar Bills Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (the “ABLE Act”) on December 19, 2014. Many have deemed this a monumental step toward the betterment of the lives of individuals faced with mental and/or physical disabilities. While many experts would agree… Read More »
5 Things to Understand About Maryland’s Inheritance Tax
1. It’s All About Who Inherits Maryland has both an estate tax and inheritance tax. The estate tax is assessable if more than one million dollars passes at death. The total dollar value of the property determines whether there is an estate tax. The inheritance tax is not dependent upon the value of the… Read More »
First Firefighter Case on Hearing Loss Results in Victory
Recently we had an opportunity to have a hearing on one of twelve of the many hearing loss and tinnitus claims that we have filed before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. The Commission ruled in favor of the fire fighters in each of the cases. The Commission relied upon the hearing test as well… Read More »
Correctional Officers and Hypertension: Protect Your Rights
By Jason Shultz, Esq. Being a correctional officer is one of the most dangerous and stressful jobs in the world. Think about what these women and men do every day. They walk through prison gates; the doors are locked BEHIND them, and are asked to protect us from the most dangerous criminals in Maryland…. Read More »
Choosing the Right Attorney Matters…See Why
When your health, career and you and your family’s financial well-being are on the line, it is crucial that you pick the right attorney. Not one who is a “Johnny come lately” or falsely promises you better results. Rather, what are needed are an attorney and a firm who has a proven track record,… Read More »
Advice for the Apprehensive Injured Worker
By Charles Schultz, Esq. A few times a week I get a call from an injured worker who is considering filing a workers’ compensation claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission but is concerned about the repercussions that may take place after filing their claim. While it is understandable, and in certain circumstances a… Read More »
Think Twice About Designating A Disabled Person as a Beneficiary
Despite your good intentions, naming your disabled niece as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy may not do her any good whatsoever. In this final installment in this series, I explain why disabled beneficiaries should be handled with extreme caution. This advice actually applies to all manner of property given to a disabled… Read More »
Should I Use an Online Legal Document Service to do my Will?
The question I get about online Wills (or do-it-yourself kits often purchased at office supply stores) is whether they are “valid.” I cannot answer the question in a global fashion. It is certainly possible to have a technically “valid” Will without using an attorney. It is also possible that the document will fail as… Read More »
Should I get an Advance Directive, a Living Will or a Health Care Power of Attorney?
The answer is the first one or the second one and the third one. The problem with answering the question is first and foremost one of terminology. For starters, each state calls these legal documents by different names. For instance, Maryland has an Advance Directive, Virginia has an Advance Medical Directive and the District… Read More »
Safekeeping Your Last Will & Testament: 5 Recommendations
The result in most circumstances is that if your loved ones can only find a copy of your Will, you will likely die intestate. The laws of Maryland will decide what happens to your property, not you. (See The 5 Most Important Reasons to Have a Will). The time, effort and money spent with… Read More »