Blog

Utilizing In-Marriage QDRO’s for Estate Planning

By Jessica L. Estes As an estate planning and elder law attorney, often the most difficult type of asset to deal with is a retirement...

Jun 18

New Rules for Veterans’ Aid and Attendance Benefit

By Jessica L. Estes Any Veteran, or surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran, whose income is not sufficient to cover his or her long-term care...

Jun 04

How to Qualify for Long-Term Care Medicaid

By Jessica L. Estes Long-term care Medicaid is a needs-based program that helps qualified individuals pay for long-term care costs. Long-term care is required when...

May 21

CHANGE IN THE LAW: The Before & After of “Legitimate Child,” “Presumed Parentage,” and Adoption

SB697 Bill Signing; Photo by: Patrick Siebert & Joe Andrucyk, 5/13/2019 http://govpics.maryland.gov/pages/Download.aspx?EventItem=7036&ImageItem=717545&Month=05&Day=13&Year=2019&Event=Bill+Signing&Photographer=Patrick+Siebert%2c+Joe+Andrucyk&Path=ImageHandler.ashx%3fEventID%3d7036&ImageID=717545&Thumbs=False By: Valerie E. Anias, Esq. On March 6, 2019, I testified before the...

Apr 16

Is Maryland a Community Property State?

By: Valerie E. Anias. No. Maryland is not a Community Property state. This is a question I am often asked by new clients. If client’s...

Apr 09

Personal Care Contracts

By: Jessica L. Estes If you currently provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member, likely you spend, on average, twenty hours...

Mar 26

Naming a Trust as Your IRA Beneficiary

By Jessica L. Estes Most people with individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”) name their spouse and children as the primary and contingent beneficiaries, respectively, of their...

Mar 05

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements – Why You Should Have One

By: Valerie E. Anias, Esq. There is a misconceived notion that asking for or discussing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement implies distrust or concern over...

Feb 19

Parenting Plans & Separation Agreements

By: Valerie E. Anias, Esq. On October 1, 2018, Maryland Law expanded divorce by Mutual Consent to permit couples with minor children to divorce without...

Jan 29

How the Titling of Assets Could Have a Major Impact on Your Estate Plan

By: Jessica L. Estes The one thing that can mess up even the best estate plan, is the titling of assets. I cannot tell you how many...

Jan 22

How to Make Co-Parenting Successful

By: Valerie E. Anias Figuring out how to co-parent after a break up, separation, or divorce is difficult. We especially see breakdowns in communication during...

Jan 15

DIY Estate Planning Documents: You Get What You Pay For

By Jessica L. Estes Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are over, and things have settled down, it’s time to conquer those new year’s...

Sep 28

Family Law: New Laws

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, ERA Law Group, LLC wants to discuss some recent changes in Maryland Law that will become effective October 1, 2018...

Sep 25

#TuesdayTips: About the Elderly Population in the United States

The older population (persons 65 years or older) numbered 40 million in 2015, representing 13% of the U.S. population, or one in every eight Americans....

Sep 18

#TuesdayTips: Everyone Needs a Plan

Do you live paycheck to paycheck and are convinced you have no assets? It would seem to follow then that you have no estate to...

Aug 07

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING A DECEDENT’S DEBTS?

By: Jessica L. Estes The last thing anyone wants when a loved one dies is to be harassed by that person’s creditors. Unfortunately, it happens...

Jun 26

#TuesdayTips: Major Changes for Maryland’s 2019 Estate Tax Exemption

By Jessica L. Estes Effective July 1, 2018, for individuals dying on or after January 1, 2019, the Maryland estate tax exemption will be $5...

Jun 22

#FamilyFriday: Family Support Services

By: Valerie E. Anias, Esq. Families often wonder what resources are out there to help them in the midst of a family related litigation case. ...

Jun 15

#FamilyFriday: ERA’s Fixed Fee Family Services

By: Valerie E. Anias, Esq. Potential clients are often concerned with the expense associated with resolving their family disputes. It’s understandable as these matters can...

Jun 12

WHAT IS ELDER LAW?

By Jessica L. Estes Ever wonder what “Elder Law” is? Most people think that if you are 65 or older, it is called Elder Law...

Jun 08

#FamilyFriday: Nesting Agreements

Children and finances are two driving factors in a divorce. How will your children handle the idea of their parents separating and how will your...

Jun 01

#FamilyFriday: De Facto Parent – Grandparents & Custody

Before 2016, it was nearly impossible for a Grandparent to obtain custody of a grandchild. This was because the burden to obtain custody was high...

May 08

#TuesdayTips: Veterans’ Benefits

As Memorial Day approaches, I am reminded of the sacrifices our Veterans have made so we, the people, can retain our freedoms. Many of these...

May 01

#TuesdayTips: Caring for Aging Parents

By Jessica L. Estes Currently, it is estimated that approximately one-third of the U.S. population provides care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family...

Apr 27

#FamilyFriday: What is the “Best Interests of the Child” Standard?

After families separate, parents must decide where their children will live, or custody, and what schedule the children will have with the other parent, or...

Apr 13

#FamilyFriday: Co-Parenting Resources

Figuring out how to co-parent after a breakup, separation, or divorce is difficult. When parents don’t communicate well, that makes it even harder. On this...

Apr 10

#TuesdayTips: Long-Term Care Insurance Policies

By Jessica L. Estes Generally, most people do not have sufficient income or assets to fund their long-term care for extended periods of time. And,...

Feb 27

#TuesdayTips: Utilizing Asset Protection Trusts

By: Jessica L. Estes, Esq. If you read last week’s #TuesdayTips article, you learned how to protect your stuff in three easy steps: 1) know...

Feb 23

#FamilyFriday – What Changes in Maryland Family Law Can We Expect to See in 2018?

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys of ERA Law Group, LLC want to bring to your attention some possible changes in Maryland Family Law! ...

Feb 20

#TuesdayTips: Asset Preservation in 3 Easy Steps

By Jessica L. Estes Asset preservation is simple; all it takes are three easy steps. First, know the rules. Second, know your predators. Third, know...

Feb 16

#FamilyFriday – My Kids Don’t Want to Follow the Visitation Schedule

The parents have filed suit, went to mediation, attended trial, or settled their issues as they relate to child custody, visitation, and support. As a...

Feb 13

#TuesdayTips – New Guardianship Rules

As of January 1, 2018, rules related to Court-Appointed Guardians, Guardianship's, and Attorneys changed. In this week’s #TuesdayTips article, the attorneys of ERA Law Group...

Feb 09

Family Law Changes in 2017

Welcome back to #FamilyFriday! In the last several weeks ERA Law Group, LLC moved to its new location at 20 Ridgely Avenue, Suite 204, Annapolis,...

Feb 08

#FamilyFriday Returns TOMORROW!

Dec 29

HAPPY NEW YEAR & WE’RE MOVING!

Dec 22

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Dec 15

#FamilyFriday: Grounds for Divorce

There are a number of ways to obtain a divorce in Maryland. On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys of ERA Law Group, LLC discuss...

Dec 12

#TuesdayTips: Charitable Remainder Trusts

It’s that time of year again… the hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us! If you are like me, you may still be...

Dec 08

#FamilyFriday – What is Discovery?

Discovery is a process used to provide each party an opportunity to obtain evidence related to the opposing party's case. In this week’s #FamilyFriday article,...

Dec 01

#FamilyFriday – Filing Exceptions

As previously discussed in an earlier #FamilyFriday article, the Court, upon request, will schedule a Pendente Lite (PL) hearing while the parties wait for their...

Nov 17

#FamilyFriday – Split Households & the Holiday Season

It’s difficult for families to decide how to split holidays when they separate. Neither parent or family want to experience their holidays without their children. ...

Nov 10

#FamilyFriday – Custody Rights Without a Court Order: Common Misconceptions

By: Valerie E. Anias, Esq. You and the other parent have a child together. You separate or break up but never file any court action. ...

Nov 03

#FamilyFriday: Help, I’ve Been Served!

By: Valerie E. Anias, Esq. Most people are not surprised when they are served with divorce papers. But what do you do when you are...

Oct 31

#TuesdayTips: Medicaid… Trick, or Treat?

By: Jessica L. Estes, Esq. Medicaid* can be a scary topic. Not only are there are a lot of myths about Medicaid, but if you...

Oct 27

#FamilyFriday – I’m Getting Divorced: What Happens in Court?

A source of worry and concern for many clients involve what to expect when they go to Court for their divorce. What will my spouse’s...

Oct 20

#FamilyFriday – Absolute Divorce v. Limited Divorce

Many families are confused about the difference between an absolute divorce and a limited divorce. On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys at ERA Law...

Oct 17

#TuesdayTips: My Role as Court Appointed Counsel

What is guardianship and do I need it? Guardianship is the court process whereby an individual (usually a family member) is appointed by the court...

Oct 10

#TuesdayTips: DIY Estate Documents Gone Wrong

Did you create your own documents? Why pay a lawyer when I can get my estate documents online for free (or at least at a...

Oct 06

#FamilyFriday – Parenting Plans

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article the attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC want to discuss the importance of Parenting Plans. You’ve heard it, we’ve written...

Oct 03

#TuesdayTips: Financial Powers of Attorney – To Be or Not to Be?

That is a valid question. One that is not pondered enough and often results in a family member being thrown into a position of great...

Sep 29

#FamilyFriday: Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)

You’ve gotten divorce and have been awarded a percentage of your spouse’s retirement account, you’re good for now, right? Wrong. Often couples come to us...

Sep 26

#TuesdayTips: The “Simple” Will

All too often will-seeking clients call the firm asking if we do “simple” wills, say they need a will, but don’t want one of those...

Sep 22

#FamilyFriday: Marital v. Non-Marital Property

When couples get divorced they are required to identify marital property and non-marital property. Many individuals don’t know what makes property marital and therefore, how...

Sep 19

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

One of the most common misconceptions is that if you are married and you die without a will, your spouse automatically gets everything. Unfortunately, that...

Sep 15

#FamilyFriday – Mediating Family Disputes

Sometimes costly litigation can be avoided with mediation. Especially in family law related matters, mediation could be key to ensure that the issues involving your...

Sep 12

#TuesdayTips: 529 Plans as Part of Your Overall Estate Plan

It’s that time of year again when the kids head out to the bus stop in the morning to start a new year of learning,...

Sep 08

#FamilyFriday – Adultery

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC want to talk to you about adultery. Not surprisingly, it is difficult to...

Sep 05

#TuesdayTips – Speeding Tickets

At some point or another everyone has likely went over the speed limit. What happens when you do and you’ve been caught? What happens if...

Sep 01

#FamilyFriday – Military Retirement Pay, Disability Benefits, and Divorce.

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorney’s at ERA Law Group, LLC are discussing the recent change in how Court’s treat a service member’s waiver...

Aug 29

Federal Special Needs Trusts: An Overview

One common scenario routinely encountered when planning a client’s estate is figuring out a way to allow a child with special needs to receive an...

Aug 25

#FamilyFriday – Pendente Lite (“PL”) Hearings

You’ve filed an action in Court for child custody, child support, and/or visitation. Meanwhile it's been months since you've gotten financial support, visitation is inconsistent,...

Aug 22

#TuesdayTips – Domestic Violence: Protective Order or Peace Order?

Unfortunately, it is likely that you or someone you know has been a victim of abuse which may or should have resulted in a Protective...

Aug 18

#FamilyFriday – How is Child Support Calculated?

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys' at ERA Law Group, LLC want to explain exactly how child support is calculated. Frequently parents are confused...

Aug 08

#TuesdayTips: Effective Estate Planning

A proper estate plan should provide for the following: (1) the ability to control your property while you are alive and able, (2) planning for...

Aug 04

#FamilyFriday – Fast Track to Divorce

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC want to help you get divorced and quick. Many people get married and...

Aug 01

#TuesdayTips – The Importance of a Lease

On this week’s #TuesdayTips article, the attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC want to stress the importance of obtaining a well drafted lease for your...

Jul 28

#FamilyFriday – Can I Get Alimony?

Spouses take on various financial roles in a marriage. Some stay home, some work part-time while the other is the breadwinner, and some play equal...

Jul 25

#TuesdayTips – Filing for Guardianship

Many people find themselves in a precarious situation when their spouse, parent, sibling, friend, etc. are no longer able to feed themselves regularly, pay their...

Jul 21

#FamilyFriday – Contempt

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC are addressing individuals who have fallen victim to an ex-spouse or parent who...

Jul 18

#TuesdayTips – CRASH Now what?

You’ve been involved in a car accident. Best case scenario, you’re not injured. Worst case scenario, you are. If you or a loved one have...

Jul 14

#FamilyFriday – Prenuptial Agreements: Why You Should Get One!

There is a misconceived notion that asking for a prenuptial agreement or discussing it in some way implies distrust or concern over your relationship. This...

Jul 11

#TuesdayTips – How to Find YOUR Attorney?

Searching for a lawyer can be stressful and overwhelming especially when you don't know where to start. On this week’s #TuesdayTip’s article, the attorneys at...

Jul 07

#FamilyFriday – Adoption

For this #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC want to talk about adoption. Adoption is the legal process of creating a parent...

Jun 28

#TuesdayTips – When to NOT Do-It-Yourself

This week’s #TuesdayTips article comes one day after a recent United States Tax Court ruling in the case of Summers v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue...

Jun 23

#FamilyFriday – Modifications

On this week’s #FamilyFriday article, the attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC are here to talk with you about modifications. Often, we meet with clients...

Jun 20

#TuesdayTips – Economical Collections for Business Owners

On this week’s #TuesdayTips article, ERA Law Group, LLC wants to help business owners prevent collection nightmares. It’s frustrating when you provide a service, send...

Jun 14

Getting divorced?

No one enters a marriage thinking or wishing for it to end. But, it happens. If you find this is happening to you and your...

Utilizing In-Marriage QDRO’s for Estate Planning

New Rules for Veterans’ Aid and Attendance Benefit

How to Qualify for Long-Term Care Medicaid

CHANGE IN THE LAW: The Before & After of “Legitimate Child,” “Presumed Parentage,” and Adoption

Is Maryland a Community Property State?

Personal Care Contracts

Naming a Trust as Your IRA Beneficiary

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements – Why You Should Have One

Parenting Plans & Separation Agreements﻿

How the Titling of Assets Could Have a Major Impact on Your Estate Plan

How to Make Co-Parenting Successful

DIY Estate Planning Documents: You Get What You Pay For

Family Law: New Laws

#TuesdayTips: About the Elderly Population in the United States

#TuesdayTips: Everyone Needs a Plan

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING A DECEDENT’S DEBTS?

#TuesdayTips: Major Changes for Maryland’s 2019 Estate Tax Exemption

#FamilyFriday: Family Support Services

#FamilyFriday: ERA’s Fixed Fee Family Services

WHAT IS ELDER LAW?

#FamilyFriday: Nesting Agreements

#FamilyFriday: De Facto Parent – Grandparents & Custody

#TuesdayTips: Veterans’ Benefits

#TuesdayTips: Caring for Aging Parents

#FamilyFriday: What is the “Best Interests of the Child” Standard?

#FamilyFriday: Co-Parenting Resources

#TuesdayTips: Long-Term Care Insurance Policies

#TuesdayTips: Utilizing Asset Protection Trusts

#FamilyFriday – What Changes in Maryland Family Law Can We Expect to See in 2018?

#TuesdayTips: Asset Preservation in 3 Easy Steps

#FamilyFriday – My Kids Don’t Want to Follow the Visitation Schedule

#TuesdayTips – New Guardianship Rules

Family Law Changes in 2017

#FamilyFriday Returns TOMORROW!

HAPPY NEW YEAR & WE’RE MOVING!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

#FamilyFriday: Grounds for Divorce

#TuesdayTips: Charitable Remainder Trusts

#FamilyFriday – What is Discovery?

#FamilyFriday – Filing Exceptions

#FamilyFriday – Split Households & the Holiday Season

#FamilyFriday – Custody Rights Without a Court Order: Common Misconceptions

#FamilyFriday: Help, I’ve Been Served!

#TuesdayTips: Medicaid… Trick, or Treat?

#FamilyFriday – I’m Getting Divorced: What Happens in Court?

#FamilyFriday – Absolute Divorce v. Limited Divorce

#TuesdayTips: My Role as Court Appointed Counsel

#TuesdayTips: DIY Estate Documents Gone Wrong

#FamilyFriday – Parenting Plans

#TuesdayTips: Financial Powers of Attorney – To Be or Not to Be?

#FamilyFriday: Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)

#TuesdayTips: The “Simple” Will

#FamilyFriday: Marital v. Non-Marital Property

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

#FamilyFriday – Mediating Family Disputes

#TuesdayTips: 529 Plans as Part of Your Overall Estate Plan

#FamilyFriday – Adultery

#TuesdayTips – Speeding Tickets

#FamilyFriday – Military Retirement Pay, Disability Benefits, and Divorce.

Federal Special Needs Trusts: An Overview

#FamilyFriday – Pendente Lite (“PL”) Hearings

#TuesdayTips – Domestic Violence: Protective Order or Peace Order?

#FamilyFriday – How is Child Support Calculated?

#TuesdayTips: Effective Estate Planning

#FamilyFriday – Fast Track to Divorce

#TuesdayTips – The Importance of a Lease

#FamilyFriday – Can I Get Alimony?

#TuesdayTips – Filing for Guardianship

#FamilyFriday – Contempt

#TuesdayTips – *CRASH* Now what?

#FamilyFriday – Prenuptial Agreements: Why You Should Get One!

#TuesdayTips – How to Find YOUR Attorney?

#FamilyFriday – Adoption

#TuesdayTips – When to NOT Do-It-Yourself

#FamilyFriday – Modifications

#TuesdayTips – Economical Collections for Business Owners

Getting divorced?

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Parenting Plans & Separation Agreements

#TuesdayTips – CRASH Now what?