Trusted Greenbelt Estate Planning Lawyers
Estate planning and probate are important but can be complicated areas of law. At Randle & Randle Attorneys At Law, LLC, our compassionate Christian attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience and success in developing, refining and executing estate planning strategies. We have helped numerous families both prepare for loss and ensure their loved one’s wishes are carried out.
When you contact our Greenbelt office for an initial consultation, we will listen to your story with intent and dedicate our skills and resources to helping you resolve your estate planning or probate matters effectively and efficiently.
Protecting You And Your Loved Ones
While a will is a good starting point, our firm can help you utilize other legal tools that can help protect your wealth, your legacy and your family’s financial stability for the future. Depending on your unique needs and long-term goals, we can help you create:
- Maryland living wills
- Living trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Guardianships
Many people view estate planning as something that is only essential for the wealthy. In reality, everyone – regardless of age or wealth – can benefit from estate planning. Attorney Lorenzo Randle has more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families in Greenbelt and Prince George’s County create comprehensive estate planning documents that are tailored to their specific needs and interests.
Guiding You Through Maryland’s Probate Process
What is the probate process? When an individual passes away, his or her will must go through probate in order for the estate to be administered and assets distributed. The estate of the individual may still need to go through probate if there is no will and the decedent had assets. This is an arduous process with complicated paperwork that can be difficult to handle on your own.
We know that this is likely a difficult time for you. As your legal allies, we will faithfully guide you through the probate process and requirements. We can help you obtain appraisals of all property and assure that all inventories and accounts are filed properly and timely, so you can focus on comforting your family.
Seeking Guardianship For Minor Children
If a minor child’s parents can no longer care for him or her, appointing a guardian may be necessary. A guardianship will also be needed when a minor child is entitled to receive money as an inheritance or from insurance policies. We have the skills to help you through the process and find a solution that protects you and your loved ones.
How Often Should I Review Or Update My Estate Planning Documents?
Many people review their estate plan with their lawyers every three to five years, but you should update it sooner if you experience important life events, such as:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a beneficiary
- Increase or decrease in assets
- Relocation (to ensure your documents are still valid under the new state’s laws)
In Maryland, changes in law can also affect how your legal documents work, especially if your will, revocable trust or beneficiary designations were drafted years ago. Reviewing your plan regularly ensures it aligns with your wishes and prevents future conflicts for your family.
How Can I Help My Family Avoid Maryland’s Probate Process?
To help your family avoid Maryland’s probate process, you can use estate planning tools that can effectively transfer property outside of probate. One important option to consider is a revocable living trust, which lets assets held in the trust be distributed according to the trust’s terms rather than going through probate court.
You can also use beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts and certain bank accounts, as well as joint ownership with rights of survivorship where appropriate. Good planning can minimize the amount of assets subject to probate, even if it cannot be fully avoided, and make administration much smoother for your family.
Is Estate Planning Only Necessary For Wealthy People Or Large Estates?
Estate planning is not only for wealthy people or large estates. In Maryland, even a modest estate can benefit from a proper plan because estate planning is about more than passing on money. It also lets you choose who will handle your affairs if you become incapacitated, name guardians for minor children, direct medical decisions, and decide how your property is distributed when you pass away.
Without a plan, Maryland’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your probate property, and those default rules may not reflect your family’s situation and your personal wishes. Planning can also reduce conflict and make things easier for your loved ones, regardless of your estate’s size.
Connect With Our Prince George’s County Estate Planning Law Firm Today
To discuss your estate planning and probate needs in private, schedule an initial consultation with one of our skilled attorneys using our online contact form or call our law office today at 301-446-2170. We serve individuals and families throughout Greenbelt and Prince George’s County.