Clarity, Strategy and Peace of Mind

Why Planning Matters

Most people carry an unspoken question in the back of their minds:

“What happens to my family if something happens to me?”

Here’s the hard truth:

  • Without a clear plan, the Court decides who gets what and who raises your children.

  • A grieving spouse may be left to juggle bills, bank accounts, and court filings alone.

  • Family disagreements can escalate quickly into costly and painful disputes

Estate planning isn’t just about dividing assets. It’s about protecting your children, giving your spouse security, and making sure your medical and financial decisions are honored.

The Risk of Waiting

It’s easy to push estate planning to the bottom of the list — until life throws you a curveball. I’ve seen families who thought they had “plenty of time” left facing:

  • Children placed with temporary guardians they never would have chosen.
  • Long delays in probate, tying up money when it’s needed most.
  • Siblings and relatives locked in bitter fights over inheritances.

  • A spouse left without legal authority to make urgent medical or financial decisions.

Estate planning isn’t just about dividing assets. It’s about protecting your children, giving your spouse security, and making sure your medical and financial decisions are honored.

The Real Cost of Probate

Probate is sometimes described as “a lawsuit you file against yourself, for the benefit of your creditors.” Even for simple estates, it can take months — and eat up thousands of dollars that should have gone to your family.

Typical Probate Costs in Maryland:

  • Attorney’s Fees: 1.5%–5% of the estate value (often $2,000–$10,000+)

  • Personal Representative’s Commission: 1%–3.6% of the estate value

  • Court Filing Fees: $165–$300

  • Bond Premiums: 0.5%–1.5% of the estate value ($2,500–$7,500 on a $500k estate)

  • Appraisals & Accounting: $500–$2,000+

For a $500,000 estate, total costs can reach $8,000–$20,000 or more

Other Hidden Costs:

  • Time: Probate can take 9–18 months (sometimes longer).

  • Privacy: All filings are public — anyone can see what your family inherits.

  • Conflict: The process gives relatives an opportunity to challenge your will or fight over property.

A Better Way Forward

Imagine knowing that everything is in place:

  • Your kids are cared for by the guardians you chose — not the court.
  • Your spouse has immediate access to the resources they need.
  • Your family won’t waste time and money in probate.
  • Your wishes are documented, honored, and carried out.

That’s what strategic estate planning delivers: certainty, security, and peace of mind.

My Approach

Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. My role is to guide you through a heart-centered, strategic process that focuses on your unique goals and risks. Here’s what that looks like:

  • We talk first: You share your concerns, family dynamics, and priorities.

  • We plan together: I explain your options in plain English and help you design a plan that fits your life.

  • We follow through: You leave with legally binding documents and the confidence that your plan will hold up when your family needs it most.

This is not a sales pitch. It’s a partnership to protect what matters most.

Take the Next Step

Estate planning is one of those things that only gets harder the longer you wait. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

No obligation. Just a straightforward conversation about your best next step.

Finding the Right Fit — For Both of Us

By now, you may be picturing how much lighter life would feel if your family were fully protected, your wishes documented, and your future secure. But here’s the truth: you don’t get peace of mind by reading a website. You get it by sitting down with someone who understands both the law and the real-world challenges families face.

That’s why our first call isn’t about documents or fees — it’s about you.

Here’s what you can expect in that first conversation:

  • We Listen First: You share your concerns, your family’s dynamics, and what matters most to you.
  • You Ask Anything: Wills, trusts, taxes, guardianship — I’ll give you straight, honest answers without jargon or pressure.
  • We Decide Together: If we’re the right fit, we’ll map out your next step. If not, I’ll point you toward a trusted colleague I’d recommend to my own family.

This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a no-pressure conversation that ends one way: with you knowing your best next step.

That means:

  • You won’t waste time calling around.

  • You won’t get “sold” into something you don’t need.

  • You won’t be left second-guessing whether you made the right choice.

Instead, you’ll walk away with the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind you’ve been looking for since the question of “what if” first crossed your mind.