Estate Planning Attorney in Columbia MD

Estate planning is something that many people tend to procrastinate or avoid altogether. It can be uncomfortable not only thinking about our own mortality but also creating plans for a future without us in it. Nevertheless, estate planning is vital to protecting your loved ones and your assets after you pass away.

What Are Wills and Trusts?

Among all the options, the most popular estate planning documents discussed are all estate planning meetings are Wills and Trusts. A Will, also referred to as a “Last Will and Testament” is a legal document that is designed to advise the courts how you want your assets distributed after your death. A Trust is a document that authorizes a person whom you appoint, referred to as the “trustee,” to ensure that your wishes and instructions as to the distribution and maintenance of your assets are enforced.

Assets placed in a Trust, as opposed to a Will, often pass to named heirs sooner and may avoid probate – which can be ideal in certain circumstances. However, in other situations, a Trust is unnecessary and can be an expensive and lengthy process. The right estate planning attorney in Columbia, MD can help you decide which estate legal documents are best for you as part of your estate plan. This guidance is instrumental in protecting your future.

Can I Wait Until I’m Older to Start Planning?

The harsh reality is that an unexpected illness or physical disability can alter our lives at any moment. If you are incapacitated or pass away at any stage of adult life without a Will, a Trust or any estate plan, it adds additional stress and financial burden on your family. Estate planning isn’t just for elderly adults, it is recommended that any adult who wants to have a say in what happens to their assets and loved ones in the event of their incapacitation or death should begin estate planning as early as possible. If you already have an Estate Plan, adjustments to your estate plan can be made throughout your life if you desire to change anything at any time.

Can Estate Planning Protect the Future of my Business?

For those concerned about protecting or planning for the future of their business must create a written plan known as Business Succession Planning, which is a subcategory of estate planning. It is imperative to ensure that the business remains thriving and sound. Estate succession planning provides for the transfer of ownership of the business, distribution of assets and ensures that your wishes for the business are carried out. If you have a business of any size, especially a family business, you don’t want your loved ones struggling with or arguing over what to do with the company when you die. Business succession planning can help business owners in Columbia, MD and anywhere else in the State of Maryland, ensure the future protection of their company, assets, and safeguard family relationships and financial security.

We Make Estate Planning in Columbia, MD Easier on You

At ZM Law Group, we are dedicated to making sure our clients get a comprehensive understanding of the estate planning process and are comfortable making individual decisions every step of the way. We offer estate planning services in Columbia, MD and throughout the State of Maryland to help adults ensure a future where their loved ones are taken care of after you are gone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for legal services in Columbia, Maryland.