As of October 1, 2023, a new form of the Maryland Statutory Financial Power of Attorney went into effect. The new law expands your agent’s powers which include, but are not limited to, the ability to (i) appoint a successor agent; (ii) make gifts on behalf of the...
Mariela D'Alessio
New Federal Reporting Requirement for Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)
As of January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act went into effect that requires many companies in the United States to report information about the beneficial owners of such entities to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Unit (FinCEN). A beneficial owner is...
Domestic Partnerships
As of October 1, 2023, Maryland law allows any two unmarried adults to become registered domestic partners by filing a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with their local Register of Wills. This law is substantial in that it allows the surviving registered partner to...
Maryland Intestacy Reform
Should you pass without a Will or Trust, your assets will go to your closest relatives under the intestate succession laws for Maryland. The distribution depends on whether you are married and if you have children. On October 1, 2023, Maryland reformed its current...
2024 Updates to the Gift Tax Laws
Effective January 1st , 2024, the IRS made updates to both federal gift and estate tax exemptions which provides a unique opportunity to improve your estate plan. When a person gives money or property to someone other than a spouse or dependent, that person may be...
What is a Life Estate Deed?
A Life Estate Deed is a legal document that grants ownership of real property into two separate parties: (1) Life Tenant, and (2) Remainderman. Upon Life Tenant’s passing, the real property automatically vests with the Remainderman by operation of law and outside of...
Green Burial
Recent studies have shown that green burials, or natural burials, are slowly growing in popularity as an alternative to conventional burial or cremation. A green burial is a more environmentally friendly form of burial that does not involve chemicals or concrete...
Powers of Attorney for Minor Children
An often overlooked and useful estate planning tool is a Power of Attorney for Minor Children. This document authorizes a temporary guardianship arrangement between the parent(s) of a child under the age of eighteen (18) and an appointed guardian (agent or...
Misconceptions about Estate Planning
Most people have heard of estate planning and its general importance, but not everyone is aware of what the planning actually requires. Estate Planning ensures that your loved ones and assets are protected in the event of your death or incapacity so it’s equally as...