April 24th, 2018
The Importance of Designating Standby Guardians for Young Children
A common reason parents of young children consider estate planning is to ensure their children are properly cared for in the event that either or both parents pass away. Most parents of young children understand the…
March 21st, 2018
The Cost of Dying in Maryland
There is an adage – “nothing is certain except death and taxes” – which is particularly applicable to Maryland residents. Although exposure to federal estate taxes has become less of a concern for many1, Maryland…
December 28th, 2017
Estates and Trusts attorney Steven Widdes featured in Maryland Super Lawyers Magazine
Stein Sperling Estate and Trusts attorney Steven Widdes was featured on the cover of the 2018 Maryland Super Lawyers annual magazine. The profile explores Steve’s past and how he uses humor to help diffuse the…
December 15th, 2017
2018 Maryland Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Includes 24 Stein Sperling Attorneys
Stein Sperling is pleased to announce that 24 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion on the 2018 Maryland Super Lawyers lists, including attorneys on Top 10, Top 50 and Top 10 lists. A…
November 20th, 2017
Your Spouse Has a Right to a Share of Your Estate
Did you know that your surviving spouse has a right to claim a share of your estate upon your death – even if you have a Will providing otherwise? In other words, you may not…
October 13th, 2017
Will Call: Does Your Last Will and Testament Measure Up in Maryland, D.C. or Virginia?
Making an annual tradition of reviewing your Last Will and Testament (“Will”) is a wise addition to your yearly financial maintenance and planning activities. This year, when you dust off your Will, it may behoove…
October 3rd, 2017
Estate Planning FAQs: Maryland Probate
How does the Probate process begin? With the help of a qualified estate planning attorney (usually the decedent’s attorney who prepared his or her Will and other estate documents) files a petition for Probate, on…
September 27th, 2017
Why Beneficiary Designations Must Coordinate with Your Estate Plan
In developing a comprehensive estate plan, it is critical to understand which, if any, of your investment assets have or could have a beneficiary. If there are such investment assets, then the naming of that…
August 11th, 2017
Decoding Estate Planning: Glossary of Common Terms
Estate planning can be a complicated process, made more so by the many terms not used in everyday interactions. The following definitions will help you understand legal terms and phrases which are relevant to wills,…
