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Maryland Estate Planning

Estate Planning in Maryland helps individuals prepare for the future. Our templates are easy to complete and attorney-drafted for your peace of mind.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate Planning involves creating documents that outline how your assets will be managed and distributed. These documents are used to ensure your wishes are honored and to minimize complications. Explore our subcategories for specific templates.

Common Maryland Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will — outlines asset distribution and guardianship after death.
  • Living Trust — manages assets during life and after death.
  • Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Living Will — states your healthcare preferences in emergencies.
  • Advance Directive — combines healthcare wishes and appoints a healthcare agent.

Estate Planning forms by State

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Will vs. Trust — a Will distributes assets after death, while a Trust can manage assets during life.
  • Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Proxy — Power of Attorney manages finances, while Healthcare Proxy focuses on medical decisions.
  • Living Will vs. Advance Directive — a Living Will specifically details end-of-life medical wishes; an Advance Directive includes appointing a healthcare agent.
  • Testamentary Trust vs. Living Trust — Testamentary Trust is created upon death through a Will, while Living Trust is established during your lifetime.
  • Durable Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney — Durable remains effective if you become incapacitated; General ends if incapacitated.

  • Ensure documents are signed and dated properly to be valid.

  • Many documents require witnesses or notarization to be legally binding.

  • Update your estate plan after major life changes like marriage or the birth of a child.

  • Keep all relevant documents organized and stored securely.

  • Designate responsible parties who understand your wishes and can act on them.

  • Align titles and designations in various documents to avoid confusion.

  • Consider how different documents interact, such as beneficiary designations.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature (Premium).

Practical tip

Choosing a trusted person for your Power of Attorney can simplify decision-making during tough times.

FAQs

What is the purpose of an estate plan?

Can I change my estate plan?

What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

Are estate planning documents confidential?

How often should I review my estate plan?

Glossary

  • Estate - total assets owned by an individual.
  • Beneficiary - person designated to receive assets from a will or trust.
  • Probate - legal process of validating a will and distributing assets.
  • Trust - legal entity holding assets for a beneficiary.
  • Executor - person responsible for managing an estate after death.
  • Intestacy - condition of dying without a valid will.
  • Incapacity - inability to make decisions due to health issues.
  • Healthcare Proxy - individual appointed to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf.
  • Asset Protection - strategies to guard wealth from loss or claims.
  • Advance Directive - document outlining medical treatment preferences.

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