The attorneys at Shaffer Law bring skill and experience to the estate planning process. No two plans are the same. Our team can guide a client through simple planning or can formulate and implement an appropriate plan for more complex and sophisticated planning needs. In either case, our assistance is highly personalized.
We pride ourselves on preparing only those documents that are truly necessary to safely and effectively achieve the clients’ goals. Most often, this includes the preparation of a Will, durable power of attorney, and advance medical directives for health care decisions. However, planning can sometimes include the creation of a trust, as described below.
Of course, there are other aspects of having an “estate plan.” We often provide guidance to individuals with preparing appropriate beneficiary designation forms for distributions from non-probate assets, such as life insurance and retirement plan accounts. These are part of a “plan” as well.

As part of our estate planning practice, we not only prepare Wills, but also utilize various types of trust agreements. Our goal in each case is to select the best estate planning tools for each client’s situation, providing streamlined planning and eliminating unnecessary complexities.
Sometimes, a trust is a good vehicle for tax planning. Other times, it is a good vehicle for allowing someone to assist with avoiding guardianship or managing assets. Certainly a trust can be beneficial for families who are planning for a loved one having special needs.
Trust planning is also an important consideration when planning for young children or family members who are exposed to addictions, divorces, lawsuits or other creditors. A trust can help accomplish the planning a client wants to do to provide for a loved one without unnecessarily exposing the assets.

The term “probate” is used to refer to the proving of a Will following the death of a testator (person who made a Will). This area of the law allows a family member, friend, or other individual to open a probate estate for the deceased individual, and gives that person, known as a personal representative, the authority to implement a plan or otherwise follow Maryland law.
Our attorneys stand ready to assist our clients in navigating the legal issues that may arise following the death of a loved one. Whether the matter involves a small estate or a larger multi-dimensional administration, we are able to assist.
We provide comprehensive estate administration services to Personal Representatives and Special Administrators charged with the responsibilities of administering an estate. We assist and advise them with all aspects of the probate process, including qualification and appointment of the Personal Representative, identifying assets of the estate, preparing and filing an inventory and accountings, paying claims of the estate, and ultimately distributing assets of the estate to the proper beneficiaries.