Serving Maryland & Washington, D.C.
Wills
A last will and testament is the most fundamental estate planning document. It puts your wishes in writing — legally — so your family doesn't have to guess.
Wills — Last Will & Testament
What a will does
A will is a legal document that directs how your property is distributed after you pass. Without one, Maryland and D.C. law decides who gets what — and that may not match your wishes at all. A will gives you control.
Name your executor
Choose who manages your estate and carries out your instructions.
Designate guardians
Name who will raise your minor children if something happens to you.
Direct your assets
Specify exactly who receives your property, savings, and personal belongings.
Avoid intestacy
Without a will, state law distributes your estate — often not how you'd choose.
Disinherit intentionally
Properly exclude individuals you do not wish to inherit from your estate.
Name a pet guardian
Designate someone to care for your animals and provide for their needs.
Will vs. Trust — which do you need?
Many clients ask whether they need a will, a trust, or both. The honest answer: it depends on your situation. Here's a plain-English comparison.
| Feature | Will | Revocable Trust |
|---|---|---|
| Goes through probate | Yes | No |
| Becomes public record | Yes | No |
| Covers all assets automatically | No — only probate assets | Yes — if funded properly |
| Names guardians for children | Yes | No (need a will too) |
| Effective if incapacitated | No | Yes |
| Cost to establish | Lower | Higher upfront |
Many clients benefit from both — a trust to avoid probate and a "pour-over will" to catch any assets not transferred into the trust.
What happens if you die without a will
Dying without a will — called dying "intestate" — means Maryland or D.C. law determines who inherits your estate. The result is often not what you would have chosen:
- An estranged relative may inherit before a close friend or partner
- A surviving spouse may share the estate with children — even adult children from a prior relationship
- A court appoints a guardian for your minor children — not necessarily who you would have chosen
- Your estate goes through a longer, more expensive probate process
- Unmarried partners receive nothing, regardless of the length of the relationship
Common questions
Do I need a will if I already have a trust?
Yes. Even with a trust, you need a "pour-over will" to capture any assets that were not transferred into the trust during your lifetime. It also names guardians for minor children — something a trust cannot do.
Can I write my own will?
Maryland and D.C. recognize handwritten (holographic) wills in limited circumstances, but they are frequently challenged and often fail to accomplish what the person intended. A properly drafted, witnessed, and notarized will is far more reliable.
How often should I update my will?
Review your will after any major life event — marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, significant change in assets, or a move to a new state. I recommend a review every 3–5 years at minimum.
What is an executor and who should I choose?
Your executor (called a "personal representative" in Maryland) is the person responsible for administering your estate — paying debts, filing taxes, and distributing assets. Choose someone organized, trustworthy, and willing to take on the responsibility.
Other Practice Areas
Ready to get started?
I'll walk you through your options — no pressure, no jargon. Just a plain conversation about protecting what matters most.