Germantown, MD Trust Lawyers
Germantown, MD Trust Lawyers
Life is unpredictable, but that does not mean your family's future has to be. You have worked hard to build a life for yourself and the people you love, and you deserve to know that your assets will be protected and distributed according to your wishes when you’re gone. Without a plan in place, your family could face confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
At Z Family Law, we believe in creating new beginnings for the families we serve. Our Germantown trust lawyers are here to help you build an estate plan that reflects your values and takes care of the people who matter most. We take the time to listen, explain your options in plain language, and guide you through every step of the process. When you are ready to start planning for the future, schedule a free estate evaluation with our team.
Why Trusts Matter for Your Family
Many people assume that a simple will is enough to take care of their loved ones, but that is not always the case. When you pass away with only a will, your estate typically has to go through probate. Probate is a court-supervised process that can take months or even years to complete, and it can be expensive and stressful for your family in the midst of an already difficult time.
Trusts offer your family a different path. Assets held in a trust can pass directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate, so your loved ones receive their inheritance faster and with significantly less hassle. Trusts also give you more control over how and when your assets are distributed. You can set conditions, such as releasing funds when a child graduates from college, reaches a certain age, marries, or achieves some other milestone.
Beyond avoiding probate, certain trusts also offer protection during your lifetime. For example, some trusts can shield assets from creditors or preserve eligibility for government benefits. Our Germantown trust lawyers can help you understand which options make the most sense for your specific situation.
Types of Trusts We Can Help You Establish
Every family is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all trust. Z Family Law offers guidance on a wide range of trust options to support you and your loved ones.
Revocable trusts are one of the most common trusts. With this type of trust, you maintain control over your assets during your lifetime and can make changes whenever you need to. When you pass away, the assets transfer to your beneficiaries without going through probate.
Irrevocable trusts work differently. Once you establish this type of trust, you generally cannot change it. However, irrevocable trusts can offer benefits like asset protection and potential tax advantages.
If you have a loved one with a disability, a special needs trust can provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for programs like Medicaid. Our Germantown trust lawyers can help you set up this type of trust so your family member’s support continues even when you’re no longer around.
There are even more trusts that support specific needs, including:
- If there is a cause you wish to support, charitable trusts allow you to give back to causes you care about while potentially receiving tax benefits.
- If you have a furry friend in your family, pet trusts ensure they are cared for if something happens to you.
- Spendthrift trusts protect beneficiaries who may not be great at managing money.
Whatever your goals, our team can help you find the right fit.
How Our Germantown Trust Lawyers Support You
At Z Family Law, you get the support of an entire legal team, not just one attorney. We take a concierge approach to service, which means you receive attentive, personalized care throughout the process.
Our Germantown trust lawyers focus on making the process as smooth and understandable as possible. We know that legal documents can feel overwhelming, so we break things down into simple terms. You will never feel rushed or talked down to. We are here to answer your questions and make sure you feel confident in your decisions.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Planning for the future is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. A well-crafted trust can provide security, clarity, and peace of mind for everyone involved. At Z Family Law, we are ready to help you create a plan that protects what matters most.
Reach out today to schedule a free estate evaluation and let us help you create a new beginning for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to the number of trusts I can have?
No, there is no limit on the number of trusts you can establish provided you have the assets to put into them. However, you may only need one trust, or a few, depending on your unique goals!
Can I put my retirement account into a trust?
There are certain assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies that cannot be put into trusts because doing so would interfere with relevant laws surrounding those accounts. Joint property can also not be put into a trust without the consent of both property owners. If you are unsure whether certain property can be retained in a trust, check with our legal team.
Do I need a lawyer to establish a trust?
While you technically do not need a lawyer to establish a trust, working with a qualified legal professional can save you a lot of headache. Trusts are complex legal tools and laws surrounding them vary by state, so working with a lawyer ensures that your trusts are established correctly and are in compliance with the law. By establishing a trust yourself, you run the risk of errors that will render your trust legally void.