Wills and Estate Planning in Maryland
Creating a will is one of the most important steps an individual can take to protect loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are honored. A properly drafted estate plan can provide clarity, reduce family conflict, and help avoid unnecessary complications after death.
Many people assume estate planning is only necessary for individuals with substantial wealth. In reality, nearly every adult can benefit from having a valid will and related estate planning documents in place.
Helping You and Your Family Prepare for the Unexpected
Attorney Neveen Kurtom assists Maryland individuals and families with wills and estate planning matters, particularly when those issues arise in connection with divorce, remarriage, blended families, minor children, and other family law concerns.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that directs how a person's assets should be distributed after death.
A will can be used to:
Identify beneficiaries
Designate who will receive specific assets
Name a personal representative (executor)
Provide instructions regarding the administration of an estate
Nominate guardians for minor children
Help minimize confusion and family disputes
Without a valid will, Maryland law determines how assets are distributed according to the state's laws of intestacy.
Why Having a Will Matters
A will allows you—not the government—to make important decisions regarding your estate.
A properly prepared will can:
Protect children and loved ones
Ensure property passes according to your wishes
Simplify the probate process
Reduce uncertainty and conflict among family members
Provide peace of mind for the future
For parents of minor children, a will may be one of the most important legal documents they ever sign.
Naming a Guardian for Minor Children
One of the most significant functions of a will is the ability to nominate a guardian for minor children.
While a court ultimately determines what is in a child's best interests, a parent's wishes regarding guardianship are an important consideration.
Parents often use their wills to:
Nominate a preferred guardian
Designate an alternate guardian
Provide guidance regarding a child's care and upbringing
For many families, this provision alone makes estate planning essential.
Estate Planning After Divorce
Many individuals overlook the need to update estate planning documents after a divorce. Following a divorce, it is often advisable to review:
Existing wills
Beneficiary designations
Powers of attorney
Advance medical directives
Trust documents
Failing to update these documents can create unintended consequences and may result in assets passing in a manner that no longer reflects your wishes. Attorney Neveen Kurtom frequently advises family law clients regarding the importance of reviewing estate planning documents after significant life changes.
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Blended families often face unique estate planning challenges.
Without proper planning, conflicts can arise between:
Current spouses
Children from prior relationships
Stepchildren
Extended family members
A carefully drafted will can help clarify intentions and reduce the likelihood of future disputes.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If a person dies without a valid will, Maryland's intestacy laws determine how the estate is distributed.
The outcome depends on several factors, including:
Whether the person was married
Whether the person had children
Whether the children are from the current marriage or a prior relationship
Whether surviving parents or other relatives exist
The result may not reflect what the individual would have chosen. Creating a will allows you to maintain control over these decisions.
Do Wills Avoid Probate?
A common misconception is that a will avoids probate. In reality, a will generally serves as instructions for the probate process rather than avoiding it. Depending on the size and structure of an estate, additional planning tools may be appropriate to simplify administration and protect assets.
Other Important Estate Planning Documents
A comprehensive estate plan often includes more than a will.
Additional documents may include:
Financial Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney allows a trusted individual to manage financial matters if you become unable to do so.
Advance Medical Directive
An advance medical directive allows you to communicate healthcare preferences and designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if necessary.
HIPAA Authorization
A HIPAA authorization permits designated individuals to access protected medical information when needed.
Together, these documents help ensure that both financial and healthcare decisions can be managed during periods of incapacity.
When Should You Update Your Will?
Estate planning documents should be reviewed after major life events, including:
Marriage
Divorce
Birth or adoption of a child
Death of a beneficiary
Significant changes in assets
Relocation to another state
Regular reviews help ensure that your estate plan continues to reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
Common Questions About Wills in Maryland
Do I Need a Will If I Am Married?
Yes. Even married individuals benefit from having a will. A will ensures that your wishes are clearly documented and can help simplify the administration of your estate.
Can I Disinherit Someone in My Will?
In many situations, Maryland law allows individuals to determine who will inherit their assets. However, certain rights may exist for surviving spouses and other individuals under Maryland law.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
A will directs the distribution of assets after death and generally goes through probate. A trust may allow assets to be managed and distributed outside of probate under certain circumstances.
How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?
Most individuals should review their estate planning documents every few years and after any significant life event, including marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or substantial financial changes.
Can I Change My Will?
Yes. A will can generally be amended or replaced during your lifetime as long as you have the legal capacity to do so.
Why Clients Work With Neveen Kurtom
Many estate planning needs arise during periods of significant family change. Divorce, remarriage, blended families, and concerns regarding minor children often require careful legal planning.
Attorney Neveen Kurtom helps clients create estate planning documents that align with their family circumstances and long-term goals. The focus is on providing clear, practical guidance and ensuring that important decisions are documented properly.
Whether creating a first will, updating documents after a divorce, or planning for a blended family, clients receive personalized attention and thoughtful legal guidance tailored to their needs.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you are creating your first will, updating an existing estate plan, or reviewing documents after a divorce or other major life event, thoughtful planning today can help protect your loved ones tomorrow.
Contact the Law Office of Neveen Kurtom at (301) 356-4423 to discuss your estate planning needs and create a plan that reflects your wishes and protects your family's future.
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