Estate Planning, Probate, and Medicaid Crisis Can All Feel Scary
We know considering your own, or a loved one’s, end of life can be daunting. It is important to be sure your home and life savings are protected.
Leaving it to chance can risk…
Defaulting to the governments plan for your assets
Increased family turmoil
Your assets being left to unwanted individuals
We Take the Fear Out of the Process so You Can Relax
Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with the probate of a deceased loved one’s assets, we simplify the process so you achieve the best possible outcome.
Client-Focused
You deserve an attorney who truly listens and works in your best interest. We’re always here for you.
Locally Rooted
For over 20 years, we have been committed to serving Anne Arundel, Maryland and surrounding communities.
A Step Beyond
Get more than just the right paperwork. We design a plan to make life easier for you and your family.
What our clients are saying
Client names redacted for their privacy. Testimonials were submitted by clients to our online location and legal listings.
Find Peace of Mind Knowing Your Home and Life Savings are Protected
Here’s how it works:
1. Hire Our Team
We review your assets and understand your wishes.
2. Customize Your Plan
You choose a custom plan that meets your needs.
3. Exhale
We execute your plan so you can relax knowing everything is protected.
Maryland Estate Planning Attorney, Probate, and Medicaid Crisis Attorneys
At Chesapeake Wills and Trusts, we know you want to protect your home and life savings. To do so, you need a clear plan in place for what happens to all of it at the end of your life or in the event you are no longer able to care for it all. The problem is, considering your own end of life can be uncomfortable, but avoiding it can lead to more stress and grief for your loved ones.
We believe estate planning doesn’t have to be scary. Our Maryland Estate Planning Attorney team has worked with many people just like you to give them peace of mind in knowing their home and life savings are protected and their loved ones won’t be overburdened.
Here is how we do it.
- First, hire our team. We will review your assets and understand your wishes.
- Second, get a customized plan for your estate that meets your needs.
- Last, we execute the plan on your behalf so you can relax knowing everything is taken care of.
Call today and speak with a member of our time. Find peace knowing your wishes will be honored. Don’t add extra stress to your loved ones’ lives by leaving your estate up to chance or a default government plan.
If your loved one’s estate is already in probate, we’re here to help simplify the process and guide you toward the best conclusion possible for you and your family.
How We Serve Our Clients in Anne Arundel County and All Across Maryland
Estate Planning
Planning for your own end of life, or a situation where due to disability you are unable to manage your assets, isn’t exactly comfortable. However, putting off planning can lead to more stress for your loved ones and unnecessary uncertainty around what happens to your estate.
Trusts
Living Wills
Probate
Whether your loved one has a clear estate plan, or no plan at all, the probate process adds unneeded stress to your life during a difficult time. Not knowing how the courts will distribute your family member’s assets can feel scary.
We believe everyone deserves the time they need to grieve the loss of a loved one and probate shouldn’t get in the way.
Adult Guardianship
A guardianship is the legal process used by the courts to appoint someone to make legal and financial decisions for people who cannot do it for themselves due to a physical or mental disability. If a guardian is appointed, the person subject to the guardianship loses the ability to make decisions for themselves for as long as they remain disabled.
Asset Protection
Last Will and Testament
Medicaid Crisis
A common misconception after a loved one enters a nursing home is that it’s too late to protect their assets, or that they will have to spend their life savings before they can apply for Medicaid assistance.
It's not too late! Our Medicaid Crisis Lawyers can help you protect your loved one’s assets and work to make them Medicaid eligible even after they enter a nursing home.
Powers of Attorney
Chesapeake Care Plan
Elder Law
The Chesapeake Promise
When working with our team, you can expect us to:
Treat you like our own family
Always explain the next steps
Keep you in the loop
Work for your best interests
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to a Few Common Questions We Hear From Our Clients:
Is it better to have a will or a trust?
Whether to plan with a will or a trust is an individual decision that is best made after consulting with an attorney. Some clients like the simplicity of creating a will, but others determine a trust is required to ensure their family avoids turning to the court system to distribute assets after death. Trusts can also protect assets from creditors and protect assets from the high costs of nursing home care.
Should I designate a power of attorney?
What is a living will or advanced directive?
Should I avoid probate in Maryland?
Probate is the court’s process for winding up your financial affairs after death and distributing your remaining assets to your heirs. The court will need to appoint a person, known as the personal representative, to be in control of your estate following your death. Until a personal representative is appointed, your probate assets will remain in limbo. Your personal representative will need to abide by the court’s rules and submit timely accounts and inventories. Finally, everything filed with the court during probate, including your will and list of assets and debts, will be a matter of public records and such personal information could be obtained by anyone. One way to avoid probate is to create a living trust.
How do I protect my assets before filing for Medicaid?
How do I set up adult guardianship for my disabled parent?
In order to establish a guardianship over an adult you must file a “Petition for Guardianship” in the county in which the person resides. The petition for guardianship must be accompanied by medical proof of disability. Once the petition for guardianship is filed, the person who is the subject to the guardianship, now referred to as an “alleged disabled person,” will have an attorney appointed for him or her. In the State of Maryland, a guardianship proceeding is adversarial, meaning that the alleged disabled person could contest the imposition of a guardianship and even demand that the determination of whether to appoint a guardian be brought before a jury.
Will my beneficiaries' inheritance be taxed in Maryland?
Schedule a Call
Complete the form below and someone from our team will be in touch shortly or call now at 410-590-1900.