Most people do not want to think about dying.  However, planning for the future - including what will happen to your estate after your death - is crucial.  A comphrensive will or trust prepared by a qualified attorney is the best way to ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Regardless of the size of your estate, a will or trust is a necessary document.

 

As a wills and trusts attorney located in Gaithersbug, Clarke Law assists clients in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County and communities throughout Maryland with the preparation of individually tailored, tax-sensitive wills and trusts designed to meet their goals and objectives.  We identify critical estate planning and tax issues to develop an effective strategy that gives our clients peace of mind.

 

We create wills that express the wishes and desires of our clients

 

There are potentially serious repercussions to dying without a will.  A will settles debts and ensures that your property and finances are distributed as set forth in your will.  If you have minor children, a will provides for the appointment of a guardian who is responsible for making medical and educational and other decisions for your child.  A properly prepared will may reduce estate expenses and limit any conflict between beneficiares by clearly stating how, when and to whom your estate is dispensed.  Having an experienced estate planning attorney who understands probate law at your side will ensure the following crucial items are addressed before the intervention of a court is necessary:

 

• choice of a personal representative, also known as an executor

• distribution of all assets

• payment of all debts to creditors

• designation of guardians for minor children

 

We utilize sophisticated planning techniques to avoid probate when desired

 

While a will deals with the immediate distribution of your property and assets following your death, a living trust allows for a flexible means to meet your estate planning needs and avoid probate. Maryland estate planning attorney Henry C. Clarke, Jr. prepares various types of trusts and informs clients of the many ways of controlling how their assets are distrubted.  Our law office has helped many cleints in the past with Maryland and D.C. trust law issues and we are dedicated to finding the best solution for you.  Trusts offer many benefits and provide you with the ability to:

 

• avoid the inconvenience and costs of probate

• provide for a smooth transition for management of your financial affairs during periods of incapacity

• plan for the long-term allocation of your estate

• provide asset protection and preservation and assist in minimizing and eliminating exposure to federal and state estate taxes

 

Start planning for your family's future today by contacting our wills and trusts attorney

 

Our experienced estate law attorney can help you determine if a living trust fits your needs.  We can also draft the legal documents creating the trust and help you identify and appoint a trustee of the trust.  These documents will give you the comfort of knowing that your property will be distributed in the manner you choose and that your family will be provided for.  Your initial estate planning consulation is free and you can set up an appointment at our Gaithersburg office.  Contact us today and we will explore your estate planning options.