Stouffer Legal Blog

Losing a loved one is challenging enough without the added strain of deciphering the value and significance of their belongings. In a recent eye-opening event covered by Art News, an African tribal mask in an antique dealer's possession fetched $4.2 million at auction.

In a bid to adapt to the evolving needs and circumstances of individuals and families, the state of Maryland has enacted new legislation altering their statutory form for Power of Attorney (POA), effective October 1, 2023. This overhaul has introduced several changes aimed at providing more flexibility and clarity for both principals and agents.

In the intricate world of estate planning, diving into legal jargon often feels like stumbling upon an entirely foreign language. Much like archaeologists uncovering forgotten tongues of ancient civilizations, individuals embarking on their estate planning journey have to decipher unfamiliar terms that hold significant importance for their financial futures.

In today's world, everyone is always on the hunt for a good bargain. Whether it's a slashed price on a fancy gadget, a half-priced designer handbag, or even a $4.99 rotisserie chicken, the lure of a deal is difficult to resist. But as with most things in life, you often get what you pay for. Sometimes, that price is much higher than you could've imagined. Just as Costco's seemingly inexpensive chickens have a hidden cost, so too do those cheap wills offered by some attorneys.

In the vast stretches of the California coastline, amidst the shimmering waves and rugged cliffs, a drone photographer stumbled upon something truly unexpected. Nick, of Parallax Effect, unveiled to the world a mesmerizing driftwood shack perched precariously on a cliff over the Pacific. This intriguing discovery tells a tale of life on the edge, literally and metaphorically. But how does a hermit’s house relate to your estate planning? Let's dive deeper.

In the age of technological advancements, many of us have embarked on the journey to discover our roots through DNA testing and ancestry platforms. While the majority are looking for a mere connection to their past, some find life-altering truths. This narrative is not just a testament to the unpredictability of life but also underscores the paramount importance of estate planning, especially in complex familial circumstances.

As Vanguard’s “How America Saves 2023” report sheds light on the importance of saving for retirement, a dimension often overlooked in such conversations is the eventual disposition of these funds. For individuals diligently working to amass a retirement nest egg, the question isn't just about the size of the savings, but also about who inherits it. Your retirement savings have a dual role - they secure your future and potentially become a part of your legacy.

Estate planning isn't just about wills and trusts. It’s also about planning for the unexpected, and more recently, it’s about weighing the pros and cons of innovative housing solutions like granny pods.

The great city of Baltimore has always had its share of unsung heroes and heroines. Today, we celebrate one such remarkable individual - Susan Taylor King. As a young woman in a time of global conflict, racial segregation, and male-dominated workplaces, King exemplified courage and determination.

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.