SoMD Estate Planning

Estate Planning Attorneys in Southern Maryland

Maryland Estate Law

How the SECURE Act Changed Inherited Retirement Accounts

The SECURE Act of 2019 eliminated the “stretch IRA” for most non-spouse beneficiaries, replacing it with a 10-year distribution rule. This means inherited IRAs and 401(k)s must generally be fully distributed within 10 years of the original owner’s death, potentially pushing beneficiaries into higher tax brackets. Spouses, minor children, disabled beneficiaries, and those less than 10 years younger are exempt. This change makes it more important than ever to coordinate your retirement account beneficiary designations with your overall estate plan.

At SoMD Estate Planning, we stay current on evolving legal issues to protect Southern Maryland families. Contact us about our $1,500 flat-fee estate plan.

What Happens to Joint Bank Accounts When Someone Dies in Maryland?

In Maryland, when one owner of a joint bank account dies, the surviving owner generally receives full ownership of the account immediately — without going through probate. This makes joint accounts a simple probate avoidance tool. However, there are important caveats. The full account balance may be considered part of the deceased owner’s estate for tax purposes. Family disputes can arise if others believe they were entitled to a portion. Adding someone to your account gives them immediate access to all funds, which carries risk.

At SoMD Estate Planning, we stay current on evolving legal issues to protect Southern Maryland families. Contact us about our $1,500 flat-fee estate plan.

Estate Planning in Prince George’s County: What Oxon Hill Families Need to Know

Prince George’s County residents in Oxon Hill, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, and surrounding communities have access to SoMD Estate Planning’s Oxon Hill office location. The county’s diverse population — including many federal employees, military personnel, and growing families — has varied estate planning needs. Whether you need a simple will, an advance directive, or a comprehensive trust-based plan, we serve Prince George’s County families with the same personalized attention and tech-forward approach.

At SoMD Estate Planning, we help families across Southern Maryland create comprehensive, personalized plans. Contact us about our $1,500 flat-fee estate plan.

Estate Planning in St. Mary’s County: Lexington Park, Leonardtown, and Beyond

St. Mary’s County is home to a vibrant mix of military families at Pax River, government contractors, watermen, and longtime residents in communities like Leonardtown, Lexington Park, and California. Each family has unique estate planning needs. Military families need deployment-ready plans with guardianship provisions. Property owners along the waterfront need to plan for real property transfer. Federal employees and contractors need to coordinate government benefits with their estate plan.

At SoMD Estate Planning, we help families across Southern Maryland navigate these important decisions. Contact us about our $1,500 flat-fee estate plan.

Understanding Intestacy: What Happens When Maryland Decides for You

When someone dies without a will in Maryland, the state’s intestacy statutes determine who inherits — and the results often surprise families. If you are married with children, your spouse gets the first $40,000 plus half the remainder. If you have minor children, the court appoints a guardian without your input. If you are unmarried with no children, assets pass to parents, then siblings, then increasingly distant relatives. Your unmarried partner receives nothing. Your favorite charity receives nothing. Your intentions are irrelevant.

At SoMD Estate Planning, we help families across Southern Maryland navigate these important decisions. Contact us about our $1,500 flat-fee estate plan.