Stouffer Legal Blog

It's a fascinating prospect: Are there forgotten riches or unclaimed properties waiting for you, hidden just beneath the surface? It sounds like something straight out of a novel or a mystery movie. But for many residents of Maryland, it's a reality.

At a glance, food expiration dates and estate planning may seem worlds apart. However, they share more in common than one might think. Consider this: when was the last time you critically examined the 'shelf life' of your will or estate plan?

Don’t pretend you didn’t just have a sneaky sip of that pumpkin spice latte or felt a little thrill pulling out your coziest sweaters. I mean, who doesn’t take at least ONE picture of those vibrant, crispy leaves on the ground?

Every now and then, stories from unrelated fields teach us life lessons that resonate deeply. Take for instance, the recent narrative that unfolded between Burger King and their dedicated customer base. The global fast food giant argued that their burgers weren't required to look "exactly like the picture" they use in their restaurants and advertisements.

The delicate fabric of family connections is sometimes strained to its limits, leading to estrangements more frequently than we might think. According to a study by Cornell University sociologist Karl Pillemer, a surprising 27% of Americans have severed ties with a family member.

Throughout the state of Maryland, the attorneys at Stouffer Legal have had the privilege of guiding countless clients through the intricate maze of estate planning. For many, the initial goal is clear: ensure that their loved ones are financially secure in their absence.

Burnout isn’t exclusive to the corporate world; it’s a pervasive issue that can be felt in all aspects of professional life. With the increasing demands of our jobs, paired with the challenges of modern life, burnout is becoming a widespread phenomenon.

So, what is the biggest challenge of retirement that few discuss? It's finding purpose.

Estate planning is an essential practice for everyone, regardless of your family structure. As portrayed in the hit sitcom Modern Family, estate planning isn't just for traditional nuclear families. It can benefit anyone, including blended families, same-sex couples, and those who have children from multiple partners. Whether you're a part of a "modern" family or a more traditional one, there's a lot you can learn from the show about the importance of estate planning for protecting all types of families.

In the recent cinema hit, "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie, Barbie gets a little existential. Amidst a disco dance party, Barbie asks, “do you guys ever think about dying?” It's not the typical Barbie movie, but rather a comedic satire that raises some intriguing questions.