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Estates and Estate Probate Services in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, & Harford County, MD

When there is no trust, will, or estate planning in place, family members are left to navigate an uncertain future if a key family member passes away. Without proper estate planning, probate court will make decisions about the distribution of your assets-decisions that are often not in line with your wishes or your family's needs. Estate planning helps safeguard your life's work and preserves the assets you've spent a lifetime building.

At the Cuomo Law Firm, we offer comprehensive estate planning services designed to protect your legacy, reduce family disputes, and ensure that your wishes are honored. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process of creating a well-structured estate plan that provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Wills

A will is one of the most fundamental tools in estate planning. Regardless of the size of your estate, a will allows you to designate who will receive your assets after you pass away. A properly drafted will can also serve other purposes, such as:

• Establishing guidelines for resolving disputes over tangible property
• Naming guardians for minor children
• Creating trusts
• Simplifying the probate process

Even if you have a trust in place, creating a will is still essential. A pour-over will ensures that any assets not already included in the trust are transferred into the trust upon your death. It also provides a backup if any aspect of the trust is later deemed invalid.

Trusts

For individuals with more complex estates, a trust can be an essential tool for preserving assets and minimizing taxes. A trust allows you to transfer property to a trustee, who holds it for the benefit of your designated beneficiaries. There are many different types of trusts, each designed to meet specific needs, including:

• Revocable Trusts: Allow for changes or revocations during the creator's lifetime.
• Irrevocable Trusts: Cannot be altered once established, providing certain tax advantages.
• Special Needs Trusts: Designed to benefit a person with disabilities while preserving eligibility for government benefits.
• Testamentary Trusts: Created through a will, typically to manage assets for minors or beneficiaries who are unable to manage finances themselves.

Trusts can often help you avoid probate and reduce the costs and time associated with the legal process. They may also allow you to pass on assets to your heirs in a manner that retains greater value and minimizes tax liability.

Probate

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered and passed on to heirs. During probate, the will is reviewed for validity, and the court determines the authenticity of the document. In Maryland, probate petitions are filed with the Orphan's Court of the county where the deceased person resided. If the deceased person did not have a will, the court will assign a personal representative to handle the estate and decide who the beneficiaries are.

At the Cuomo Law Firm, we can guide you through every step of the probate process, ensuring that your loved one's estate is handled efficiently and according to their wishes.

Probate Litigation

During probate administration, disputes can arise over various aspects of the estate. Some common issues that may lead to probate litigation include:

• Contested Wills: Disagreements over the validity or authenticity of a will.
• Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Allegations of mismanagement or failure to act in the best interests of the estate.
• Abuse of Power of Attorney: Claims that someone misused their authority over financial or healthcare decisions.
• Pay on Death and Joint Account Disputes: Disputes regarding beneficiaries of pay on-death accounts or joint accounts.
• Trust Claims: Conflicts over the interpretation or administration of trusts.

Our probate litigation team is equipped to handle these types of disputes, working diligently to protect your interests and resolve conflicts efficiently.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is not just about creating a will or trust-it's about making sure that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected, regardless of what the future holds. Our attorneys offer personalized estate planning strategies, including:

• Gifting and Succession Planning: Helping you transfer assets during your lifetime in a way that benefits both you and your heirs.
• Entity Formation: Creating family limited partnerships, foundations, or other financial structures to protect and preserve assets.
• Powers of Attorney: Arranging for someone to manage your financial and legal matters in the event of incapacity.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Ensuring that someone you trust has authority to handle healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so.
• Conservatorships: Establishing legal arrangements to manage the affairs of individuals who are unable to do so themselves.
• Living Wills & Advance Healthcare Directives: Defining your healthcare preferences and end-of-life decisions in advance.
• Medicaid Qualification: Helping you plan for nursing home care while protecting your assets and qualifying for government assistance.

Planning for the future is not only about protecting assets - it's about ensuring your legacy is honored and your loved ones are cared for. We provide comprehensive estate planning services tailored to meet your specific needs, offering you peace of mind for the future.

Why Choose Cuomo Law Firm for Your Estate Planning Needs?

At Cuomo Law Firm, we take a personalized approach to estate planning, focusing on your unique goals and circumstances. Our experienced attorneys will work closely with you to create a comprehensive plan that safeguards your assets, protects your loved ones, and minimizes the risk of disputes or litigation in the future.

If you're ready to start planning for the future, or if you need assistance with probate or estate administration, contact Cuomo Law Firm today. We offer a consultation to review your estate planning needs and discuss the best course of action for you and your family. Let us help you secure your legacy and ensure that your wishes are carried out.