Estate Planning

The skilled and knowledgeable attorneys of Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott & Halstad, LLP can analyze your unique personal and financial circumstances, guide you through your estate planning options and tailor a plan to meet the specific needs of you and your family. A typical estate plan would include the following:

• A Will and/or Trust
• Power of attorney, including the Maryland Statutory Financial Power of Attorney effective as of October 1, 2010
• Healthcare advance directive and/or living will

We also prepare trusts for a variety of purposes, including:

• Reduction of potential estate taxes
• Management and protection of assets for minor children and individuals with special needs
• As an alternative to probate

Estate Administration

The loss of a loved one can be a very trying time.  Our experienced attorneys and staff help you through the probate process, providing you the personal service and attention you need at this difficult time.  We assist you with every step of estate administration including:

• Filing the required documents to open an estate
• Obtaining valuations for all assets
• Preparation and filing of the inventory of assets
• Preparation of the detailed accounting of all income earned and expenses incurred
• Preparation of Maryland and federal estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns as necessary

Former clients have made the following comments about our estate planners:

“…for the past 17 years you have handled our legal work with the professional expertise we commend. You and your assistants have produced documents, tax returns, and estate filings – all so well done. We want to retain you for any legal help we may need in the future.”

“We appreciate very much the promptness of the Wills, etc. since we wanted them done before our 3 week vacation. Thank you.”

“Very professional, informative, current on tax laws, etc. Reasonable fees.”