Experienced Rockville Wills and Probate Attorneys a Reputable Resource for Estate Planning and Administration Matters
Helping clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. successfully plan for the future
While planning for the future is important, planning for end of life matters is often a sensitive matter with many intricate details to consider. Having an experienced Rockville wills and probate attorney guide you through the process of creating and routinely updating an estate plan gives you the security of knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes when you are gone.
Our estate administration attorneys help you sift through the often challenging and confusing probate process following the loss of a loved one.
At the Rockville law firm of Jo Benson Fogel, P.A., our wills and probate attorneys handle these sensitive legal issues with skill and compassion. Our clients benefit from reliable legal counsel and representation in all aspects of wills, estate planning and administration, and probate matters.
More than three decades of experience in estate planning ensure you and your family are covered when you need it most
Estate planning can be a difficult subject for individuals and families. Having a solid plan in place means that your loved ones will be cared for when the unthinkable happens. Our Rockville wills and estate planning attorneys use a variety of tools to help protect your family’s future:
- Wills and codicils
- Living wills and health care directives
- Powers of attorney
- Trusts
We take the time necessary to develop a carefully planned, comprehensive estate plan that minimizes potential tax liabilities, so that your family members receive everything to which they are entitled.
Guiding you through probate and administration of an estate
The legal process of administering a decedent’s estate, known as probate, can be very complicated. Under Maryland law, there are several probate procedures, tied to the total value of the estate:
- Modified Administration Proceeding: A streamlined procedure is available for estates meeting strict requirements pertaining to potential beneficiaries and the ability of the estate to satisfactorily discharge its obligations. Minimal court supervision is necessary under this procedure.
- Small Estate Proceeding: This process is available for estates in which all assets are valued under $30,000 or $50,000 in those cases where a spouse is the sole heir. The small estate proceeding often closes several months after the estate opens, and fewer filings are required by the court than under the regular proceeding.
- Regular Estate Proceeding: Estates in which assets are valued in excess of $50,000, or $100,000 if a spouse is the sole heir, must proceed through the regular estate procedure. In these cases, the court may require substantial amounts of evidence and documents. Depending on the assets at issue, these proceedings can take up to or over a year.
While seemingly straightforward, before the appropriate procedure can be identified, an initial determination must be made as to the value of one’s estate. Complex asset and debt valuations may be necessary. With more than 30 years of experience serving individuals in Rockville, Greater Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. areas, our Rockville wills and probate attorneys have Maryland’s most trustworthy valuation experts available as a resource. We work quickly to get your probate matters processed, so you can focus on grieving your loss and caring for your family.
Proficient, powerful representation by your side during the probate process
While probate can be time-consuming and complicated, estate administration often resolves without litigation. In some instances, however, litigation is necessary. One of the more common circumstances giving rise to probate litigation is when a beneficiary or potential beneficiary contests a will. If the validity of a will is at issue in your case, our wills and probate litigation attorneys can navigate with you through the many questions associated with will contests:
- Which parties are able to challenge a will under Maryland law?
- What are the legal grounds on which a will can be contested?
- What evidence is required to successfully challenge a will?
- What is the timeframe within which a challenge must be made?
- What are the potential risks and benefits to contesting a will?
Our Rockville-based wills and probate litigation attorneys are always prepared to take a case to trial when necessary. This approach best positions us to pursue settlement while concurrently preparing a steadfast litigation strategy, if necessary.
Contact Rockville’s premier wills and probate attorneys today
Whether you are in need of a skillfully-crafted estate plan or a dedicated advocate through the probate process, the law firm of Jo Benson Fogel, P.A. is a trusted resource. Our Maryland wills and probate attorneys offer compassionate representation, backed by more than 30 years of combined hands-on experience. Call (301) 468-2288 or contact us online to explore how we can help you and your family.
