Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu

Tag Archives: Trusts

Are You Ready for ABLE?

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

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 »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Death of a Loved One: Practical and Legal Guidance

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

Dealing with the death of a loved one both before and after death are the two most difficult situations in our lives. In addition to the emotional toll, there are also innumerable details, practical and legal, surrounding a loved one’s death. Most people are not aware of the steps that need to be taken… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Maryland Same Sex Estate Planning in 2013 and Beyond

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

Estate planning in Maryland for same sex couples is dramatically different as a result of two groundbreaking legal developments in 2013. On January 1 same sex marriage became legal in Maryland and on June 26 the Supreme Court struck down portions of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a result, same sex married… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Revocable Living Trusts: Are They Worth the Hype?

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

In many states, the use of a Revocable Living Trust has become increasingly popular as a viable estate planning option. But in Maryland, the ease of the probate process, among many other reasons, makes this option usually not worth the hype, money or time. A Revocable Living Trust is a written document that contains… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Transfers to Minors: Where Do I Start? What Should I Consider?

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

Two of the most commonly used methods of transferring money and assets to minors are a Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) Account or a Trust. Baby in Suitcase with Money A UTMA Account is relatively simple to create and fairly inexpensive, but you cannot exercise any control over the assets. While a trust… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

What Happens to My Kids if I Become Incapacitated?

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

One of the overriding purposes driving people to create and establish an estate plan is to ensure their minor children are cared for and will continue to be provided for in case a tragedy befalls the family and one or both parents pass away. Benefits of a Last Will and Testament One of the… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Avoid Naming Your Minor Children as Beneficiaries

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

Beneficiary designations can be an effective tool to avoid probate, if used appropriately. (See Beneficiaries Instead of Probate: Use Caution). Assets can go quickly and directly to loved ones after your death. However, there are certain types of beneficiaries that should be avoided. First and foremost – no minor beneficiaries! I recently represented a… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Think Twice About Designating A Disabled Person as a Beneficiary

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

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 »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn