Celebrating estate planning month

Don't die without a will

Daniel C. Conkling, CPA / Attorney, CPA
​410-768-2900
[email protected]

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A will is one of the most important of all legal documents.  It is the legal declaration of a person's intentions and desires that he directs to be carried out after his death.  By making a will you can specify how you want your property distributed after your death; you can name a personal representative who has the responsibility to collect assets, pay bills and distribute your estate according to the terms of your will; you can make charitable bequests; and you can nominate someone in whom you have confidence to be a guardian of your minor children.  

Without a will, the intestate laws of the State of Maryland direct the order of priority for those individuals to serve as personal representative of the estate; what heirs are entitled to receive the assets of the estate; and in some instances the Orphans' Court shall make the appointment of a guardian for your minor children.
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The cost of a relatively simple will, leaving assets to surviving spouse, or alternatively to children, with basic provisions of settlement of debts, waiver of bond, selecting the personal representative you want to handle your estate, is in the range of $250 at many law firms.  Of course, more complicated wills, trusts, and estates with significant assets do cost more.  Talk to an attorney about basic plans, costs and how to achieve your goals.  Get it prepared and signed correctly rather than some hap-hazard method using an online document.