Will Lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Why you should make a will
1. Save time and stress
Without a will, your estate goes through a slower, costlier court process that adds pressure to grieving loved ones.2. Choose your executor
A will lets you name someone you trust to handle your affairs, rather than leaving it to the court.3. Control who gets what
You decide who inherits your assets and who doesn’t to avoid unwanted outcomes.4. Protect your children
You can appoint a guardian for your minor children instead of leaving the decision to a judge.
5. Provide for pets
A will allows you to name someone to care for your pets and even leave money for their upkeep.6. Manage digital assets
Appoint someone to handle your online accounts and digital property after you’re gone.7. Prevent family disputes
Clear instructions help reduce confusion and conflict among those you leave behind.8. Leave a legacy
Support charities or causes important to you by including them in your will.9. Plan your funeral
Include wishes for your funeral to guide your loved ones during a difficult time.10. It's easy and smart
Making a will is simpler and cheaper than you think, and it brings lasting peace of mind.Compassionate Advocacy, Powerful Results
What Does a Will Cover?
A will covers how your property, money, and personal belongings should be distributed after you die. This includes cash assets like checking and savings accounts (unless they’re set up as Payable on Death), as well as real estate, investments not tied to retirement accounts, and business interests.
Aside from that, you can include personal properties such as jewelry, cars, heirlooms, or art - anything you want to pass to specific individuals. A will is also where you name guardians for minors or dependents and designate someone to care for your pets.
However, some assets bypass your will entirely. Life insurance proceeds and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) or Payable-on-Death (POD) accounts go directly to the named beneficiaries. But if those beneficiaries die before you, those assets revert to your estate and then follow the terms of your will.
What’s more, elective-share laws in some states protect surviving spouses from being disinherited; if your will conflicts with these laws, a court may override it.
Our veteran wills lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. can guide you through all of this so your assets are distributed according to your wishes after death.
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How to write a will?
1. Identify What You Own
2. Name Your Beneficiaries
Decide who gets what. Be specific. List both primary and backup (contingent) beneficiaries in case someone passes before you. Update these names after major life events.
3. Choose a Guardian for Children
Pick someone you trust with your children’s care, considering their values, stability, health, and willingness. Name at least one backup guardian too.
4. Select Someone to Manage Children’s Inheritance
If your kids are minors, name someone to oversee their assets. This can be a guardian, custodian (under UTMA), or trustee; whatever suits your needs.
5. Appoint an Executor
Pick a responsible person to carry out your will and handle debts, taxes, and distribution. They don’t need legal skills but should be organized, calm, and financially smart.
6. Make Arrangements for Pets
Name someone to care for your pets. Discuss with them ahead of time. You can also set aside funds for pet care in your will.
7. Cover Digital Assets
List login info for emails, social media, online accounts, and reward programs. Store credentials safely and tell a trusted person how to access them.
8. Create the Will
You can write it yourself using a trusted service, use your state’s statutory form (if available), or hire a will preparation lawyer for more complex estates.
9. Sign with Witnesses
Follow your state’s rules (most require two witnesses). Use disinterested witnesses (not inheriting anything). Add a notarized self-proving affidavit if possible to simplify probate.
10. Store the Will Safely
Keep your will in a secure, known location (not a locked box that’s hard to access). Let your executor know where to find it.
11. Update When Needed
Review your will after major events e.g. birth, death, marriage, divorce, or big financial changes. Use a codicil for small updates or rewrite it entirely for big changes.
What Makes Us the Best Wills Lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C.?
This is What We Do - Day In, Day Out
Estate planning and probate make up a large part of our practice. We don’t “dabble” in wills, we focus on them. That means fewer mistakes, more peace of mind.
We Understand What Happens After You’re Gone
Since we also handle probate, we know how wills get interpreted by courts. That experience helps us draft documents that actually do what you intend.
We Look at the Whole Picture
A will alone doesn’t cover everything. We help make sure your life insurance, retirement, and other accounts are set up to match your wishes so that nothing gets left to chance.
We Help You Avoid Common Mistakes
Naming a minor child as a direct beneficiary sounds simple, but it can cause major issues. We’ll walk you through smarter options that actually work for your family.
We Make Sure It’s Done Right
A will has to be signed properly or it’s not valid - period. We don’t take shortcuts. Whether you sign in our office or elsewhere, we make sure it’s done the right way at all times.
Real People, Real Help
We take the time to explain your options and guide you through the process clearly and personally. No confusing jargon. No guesswork.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
Ans. A will states who should receive your assets after you pass away. It only takes effect after death and must go through probate, which is the court process of validating the will and distributing the estate.
On the other hand, a trust takes effect as soon as it’s created and funded. A revocable living trust allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and automatically transfers them to your chosen beneficiaries when you pass without going through probate
2. What happens if I don’t have a will?
Ans. If you die without a will (called intestate), the state will decide how your assets will be distributed. In Maryland and D.C., this usually means your property will go to your closest relatives according to a set formula; which starts with your spouse and children, then other family members. The court might also choose someone to handle your estate and, if needed, appoint a guardian for minor children
3. What not to include in a will?
Ans. Here are some things that simply don’t belong in a will:
- Life insurance and retirement accounts: These are controlled by beneficiary designations, not your will.
- Jointly owned properties: They usually pass directly to the surviving owner.
- Funeral instructions: They are often not seen until after burial decisions have already been made. You better communicate these wishes separately and directly.
- Conditions that are illegal or impossible: Wills could be invalidated if they include things that the court cannot enforce
4. What does mental capacity mean when making your will?
Ans. Mental capacity or testamentary capacity means you understand what a will is, what assets you own, and who you’re leaving them to. In Maryland and D.C., you must be at least 18 years old and have a sound mind when you sign your will.
In other words, it means you clearly understand the nature of what you’re doing and can make those decisions without pressure or confusion.
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