Many people create a revocable living trust believing it will help their family avoid probate after they pass away. Often, that is exactly what happens. However, simply signing a trust agreement does not automatically avoid probate. In fact, one of the most common estate planning issues I encounter is a Read more
Creating a revocable living trust is only part of the process. For the trust to actually control your real estate, the property must first be properly transferred into the trust. This step is commonly referred to as funding the trust, and it is one of the most overlooked parts of Read more
When people think about estate planning, they usually think about wills and trusts. But there’s a critical piece that is often overlooked: How your real estate is titled. In Washington, DC and Maryland, estate plans frequently fail—not because the documents were drafted incorrectly, but because the deeds were never aligned Read more
Homeowners frequently ask whether they should transfer their home into an LLC or a trust. Sometimes the question comes from a lender, an accountant, or an online article promising asset protection or tax benefits. What’s often missing from those discussions is what actually happens on title and for transfer taxes Read more
Searching for an online deed using “DC quitclaim deed form” or “Maryland deed template” makes transferring property look deceptively simple. A few blanks, a notary stamp, and you’re done—right? In reality, online deed forms are one of the most common sources of title problems I see in DC and Maryland. Read more
When planning for the transfer of real estate after death, most people assume that a will or trust is the only way to ensure property passes smoothly to the right individuals. However, in Washington, D.C., property owners have an additional, highly effective option: the Transfer on Death Deed, also called Read more
Learn about the importance of electronic recording in real property transfers. Explore the benefits, including increased efficiency, security, and cost savings.
If you own real estate in Montgomery County, Maryland, there may come a time when you need to complete a deed transfer—for example, adding a spouse to the title, transferring ownership into a trust or LLC, removing an ex-partner after a divorce, or gifting your home to a child. While Read more