Comprehensive Services — Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney & Probate Planning
Create a lasting legacy for your family—with clarity and efficiency. In Anne Arundel County, which includes Glen Burnie, estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.
Why Estate Planning Matters Here
Anne Arundel County is home to over 590,000 residents, experiencing steady growth and economic strength, with a median household income of $120,324 in 2023 and a median age of 39. Many families across residential communities like Glen Burnie rely on thorough estate planning to manage assets, care for family, and ensure privacy in the event of incapacity or death.
Essential Estate Planning Tools
Last Will & Testament
Allows you to:
- Direct how assets are distributed.
- Appoint guardians for minor children.
- Avoid default state intestacy rules.
Revocable Living Trust
- Enables assets to bypass probate.
- Offers a private, efficient mechanism for distribution.
- Significantly reduces court fees—probate alone can cost $100–$10,000, depending on estate size.
Beneficiary Designations & Joint Ownership
- Assets like bank accounts or life insurance can transfer directly to named beneficiaries, avoiding court proceedings entirely.
Power of Attorney & Advance Health Directive
- These documents allow trusted individuals to manage financial or medical decisions if you’re unable to do so, eliminating the need for court-supervised guardianship.
Probate Insights: Maryland & Anne Arundel Facts
- Maryland uses sliding-scale probate fees:
- $0 for estates under $50,000,
$100 for estates between $50,000–$100,000
- Scaling up to $10,000+ for estates over $10 million.
- $0 for estates under $50,000,
- Estates under $50,000 (or up to $100,000 if a spouse is the sole heir) qualify as “small estates,” offering streamlined administration without court procedures.
- Probate and administration fees combined can consume 3–7% of the estate value, reducing what ultimately goes to your heirs.
How We Guide Your Estate Planning
| Step | What You Get |
| 1. Free Consultation | We’ll explore your family goals, assets, and any complexities, creating a custom plan template. |
| 2. Tailored Documentation | From wills to trusts to healthcare directives, we draft documents that clearly align with your wishes. |
| 3. Proper Funding | Guide on transferring assets into trusts or updating titles and beneficiary information. |
| 4. Annual Reviews | Ensure documents stay current—even as family, finances, or laws change. |
| 5. Support When Needed | Should incapacity or death occur, your plan activates—providing immediate clarity and asset flow as intended. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a “small estate” in Maryland?
A small estate (up to $50,000, or $100,000 if the sole beneficiary is a spouse) can bypass formal probate, allowing expedited, fee-free settlement in Anne Arundel County.
How much are probate fees for larger estates?
For estates valued between $50,000 to $100,000, the fee is $100; estates valued between $100K–$500K cost $200; and higher values incur higher bracketed fees up to $10,000+ for extremely large estates.
What’s the benefit of a living trust?
It allows seamless distribution of assets without probate, offering both cost savings and privacy for families.
Can power of attorney prevent court guardianship if I’m incapacitated?
Yes—properly executed financial and medical powers of attorney help avoid the need for court intervention.
Ready to Secure Your Future in Glen Burnie?
Ensure your legacy is protected, your loved ones cared for, and your wishes honored. Let’s begin with a free, personalized consultation.
Matthew Kunka, Estate Planning Attorney
Phone: (410) 787‑0110
Email: [email protected]
Office: 7420 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Suite 300, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Take the first step today. Peace of mind is one thoughtful plan away.