Columbia Wills Lawyer

Dedicated Wills Attorney in Columbia, MD

It’s normal for people to worry about what could happen to their most treasured belongings and valuable assets following their deaths. Having a will in place is important so that everything goes to the people or organizations you choose, providing you with a measure of peace and security. A Columbia wills lawyer can assist you in drafting a document that can withstand any future legal challenges.

Work With Liberty Legacy Law Group

The team at Liberty Legacy Law Group focuses our practice on estate planning, and we’ve drafted countless wills. We provide compassionate legal services and clear communication, helping our clients understand their options so that they can make informed decisions about how they want to pass on their estates. Reach out to us for assistance in drafting your will.

Why Hire a Wills Lawyer?

Hiring an attorney to help you draft your will is one of the most important steps you can take toward developing a comprehensive estate plan. Even if you have some of your property in a trust, you still need a will to cover anything that can’t be transferred in this way. Wills can also be used to assign guardianship of minor children and accomplish other goals that can’t be achieved via trusts alone. Hiring a lawyer can:

• Provide you with guidance throughout the will-drafting process
• Protect your estate
• Avoid conflict with heirs and other family members or beneficiaries
• Help you avoid unnecessary tax burdens
• Give you peace of mind

Understanding the Estate Planning Process

When you work with us to draft your will, we use a proven process so that we don’t miss any important details. We take the time to understand your goals and desires, and then draft a document that accurately reflects them. We pay attention to you so that your will can’t be contested on unreasonable grounds and is in compliance with Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts 4-102. To be considered legally valid, your will must:

• Be in writing
• Be signed by you
• Be attested by two credible witnesses

You must be over the age of 18 and of a sound mind. Witnesses to your will must be over the age of 18 and legally competent. Maryland does not recognize audio, oral, or video wills. If you have a complex estate or many valuable assets, we may also recommend establishing a trust to help you avoid probate, maintain privacy, and accurately reflect how you want your property to be distributed following your death.

Safeguarding Your Will

Once your will has been drafted, you can file it with the Howard County Register of Wills, located at 9250 Judicial Way, Suite 1100, in nearby Elicott City, for safekeeping. The Register charges a one-time $5.00 fee for this service.

When you bring your will to the office, it should be sealed in an envelope with your name and address on the cover along with the last four digits of your Social Security number. Tell your Personal Representative where to find your will for future reference.

When to Change Your Will

Your will can be changed at any time provided you are competent. These changes are made via a document known as a codicil, which can be executed in the same way as the original will.  You should change your will any time you’ve had a significant change in personal or financial circumstances, such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

FAQs

How Much Does a Will Cost in MD?

How much a will costs in MD varies. Some attorneys charge hourly fees to clients who want to draft a legally valid will. Many attorneys charge flat fees for some services to provide transparency and help clients access the estate planning services they need. If you want to get more information about how much it could cost to draft a will, contact Liberty Legacy Law Group to schedule a consultation.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Maryland?

While you don’t technically need a lawyer to draft a will in Maryland, it’s a good idea to hire a Columbia wills attorney to help you with this vital estate planning process. To be considered legally valid, your will must meet certain requirements. A failure to meet these requirements can cause the state to throw out the will, creating unnecessary confusion and potential court battles among heirs.

What Is the Biggest Mistake With Wills?

The biggest mistake with wills in Maryland is failing to draft a will legally. Only around 32% of Americans have wills, and those who die without one risk having their property distributed in ways that do not align with their goals and values. Among those who have wills, improper execution is the number one mistake. This often occurs when people don’t hire a wills lawyer to assist them with the process.

Does a Will Have to Go Through Probate in Maryland?

A will has to go through probate in Maryland in most cases, but there are some exceptions. There’s no need for probate if all of the property was jointly owned with rights of survivorship and all life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and pensions have living, named beneficiaries. Establishing trusts and transferring assets to them before death can also avoid the need for probate.

Can I Choose Someone Outside My Family to Serve as My Personal Representative?

Yes, Maryland law generally allows you to name a trusted friend, professional advisor, or another qualified adult to serve as the personal representative of your estate. The person you choose should be organized, responsible, and capable of carrying out your wishes and managing the probate process efficiently. It is wise to inform your family members who your personal representative will be.

Your Columbia, MD Wills Lawyer

If you’re ready to draft estate planning documents, your next step should be to contact a Columbia, MD wills lawyer who can help. Liberty Legacy Law Group can assist you with everything from understanding will laws to drafting your legally viable documents that are properly witnessed. Whether you need to draw up a new will or have an existing document modified, we can help. Contact us to schedule your legacy planning consult today.