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Estate Planning Attorney In Catonsville, Maryland

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Documents like wills and trusts allow you to describe exactly how and to whom you want your assets distributed, and they give your loved ones a clear roadmap for the administration of your estate. However, starting the process can be overwhelming. No one wants to think about their own death, but working with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney may help ease the burden.

Bradley Shepherd is prepared to be your dedicated partner during the estate planning process. Whether you need to draft a will, assign a power of attorney, or set up trusts for your children and grandchildren, he can walk you through the necessary steps. Schedule a free consultation with him today at BSS Law, LLC, in Catonsville, Maryland. His firm proudly serves clients in Columbia, Baltimore and throughout the state.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of outlining how you would like your property distributed in the event of your death or incapacitation. In addition to asset distribution, your estate plan can include instructions for important topics such as:

  • Guardianship of your young children
  • Taxes
  • Your health care (should you become incapacitated)
  • What should happen to your body after death

Putting an estate plan in place can give you peace of mind knowing your final wishes are in order. Start building yours today by reaching out to Bradley Shepherd at BSS Law, LLC.

Why Is It Important?

Having an estate plan can not only help you feel more secure about your future, but it can also save your family from a great deal of stress. If you die intestate (without leaving a will), the state will decide how to distribute your assets.

Creating estate planning documents, like living trusts, is also a way to help your loved ones avoid probate, which is the process of settling a person’s estate under court-ordered supervision.

Who Needs An Estate Plan?

Many people assume estate plans are only for the extremely wealthy and therefore, never create their own. In fact, according to a 2021 Gallup poll, less than half of U.S. adults (46%) reported having a will.

The truth is, everyone, regardless of the value of their assets, needs estate planning documents. BSS Law, LLC, encourages all clients to prepare three vital documents:

  • Last will and testament
  • Power of attorney
  • Advance directive (living will)

A last will and testament provides instructions to your personal representative (or executor) as to how you want your assets to be disbursed upon your passing.

A power of attorney allows a trusted individual to manage your financial decisions if you become unable to make those decisions for yourself.

An advance directive allows a trusted individual to manage your health care decisions if you become unable to make those decisions for yourself.

You may also choose to establish a trust for your loved ones. A trust allows you to appoint a trustee, the person who will be in charge of distributing assets to your beneficiaries at the time of your choice. Trusts can be especially beneficial for young children who cannot yet manage financial assets.

These documents are all critical to ensuring that your assets are protected and that you are protected if you are ever unable to make decisions on your own behalf. Each of them serves a specific function and will help streamline and simplify your estate administration.

How An Estate Planning Attorney Can Help

Estate planning can be a deeply personal and confusing process. You want to be sure you’re taking the right steps to protect your legacy and your loved ones once you’re gone, but doing so often requires the guidance of a professional.

A good estate planning attorney will help you create a plan tailored to your unique needs. Once you’ve decided which documents to include in your estate plan, your attorney can help you draft them and ensure they meet all legal requirements. They may also assist you with stressful tasks like probate and trust administration.

If you’re looking to create a will or another estate planning document, reach out to BSS Law, LLC. Discover how Bradley Shepherd can provide you with the tools you need to secure your future and the future of your family. He offers skilled estate planning counsel to clients across Maryland, including the areas of Catonsville, Baltimore and Columbia. Contact Bradley Shepherd today at 443-998-9450 to schedule a free consultation.