Resources

Big Picture Planning

  • A will is a legal document that explains your wishes about how your estate will be managed and distributed. It can also cover care for minor children and adult dependents, along with pets. A will may also include information about funeral or memorial services and body disposal.

    A document stating a person’s wishes for body disposal (cremation, burial, etc.) can be created and signed in the presence of a witness (who also signs), without a lawyer or any special document.

    A durable power of attorney for finances names a person who can make financial decisions for you.

    A living trust designates the person (trustee) who will hold and distribute your property and funds.

  • It is important to make your wishes known. Better than telling one or two trusted family members, advanced directives are legal documents that contain instructions for medical care if you are no longer able to voice your wishes.

    A living will tells doctors your wishes regarding medical care.

    In Maryland, you can create an advance directive for healthcare and name a representative who also has the power to carry out final arrangements. The official Maryland advance directive form contains a space for you to name the person who you want to handle the disposition of your body and funeral arrangements. (Md. Code Health-Gen., § 5-603 (2024).)

  • Funeral arrangments, such as what kind of service you would like and where it is to take place, can be made in advance. This can be specified in a will, but arrangements can often be made and paid for in advance.

    If no plans are made in advance of death, the responsibility for the decisions follows a specific order (spouse or domestic partner, adult child, parent, sibling…).

    Maryland allows for home funerals and individual transport with a copy of a death certificate that is designated as a burial-tranist permit. (Md. Code Health-Gen., § 4-215; Md. Code Regs. 10.03.01.06 (2024).)

    In Maryland, there are options for burial (including green burial), and cremation. Other options such as terramation and aquamation are legal, but we do not have facilities. You can also donate your body to science — details and forms are available on the MD Department of Health website.

  • You will want to put important papers, copies of legal documents, and other important items in one place.

    • Copies of estate and financial planning documents

    • Copies of health care planning documents

    • Personal information and key personal documents like birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, adoption records

    • Passwords

    • Contact information for family, friends, doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, etc.

    • Financial documents and lists of assets like pension, IRA, 401k, stocks, etc.

    • Bank information

    • Tax information

    • Liabilities and debts, including mortgage information

    • Deed of trust for property

    • Car title and registration

    • Credit and debit card name and numbers

    • Safe deposit box information and key

Small Ways to Get Started

    • Create a list of assets and beneficiaries to start the will planning process

    • Speak to loved ones, especially about your wishes regarding care of minor children, dependent adults, and pets

    • Consider decluttering

    • Find a wills and estates lawyer and a CPA

  • Prior to creating a plan, you will need to consider your options. Take time to learn about the common reasons for a medical directive and determine what is right for you. Have open and honest conversations with loved ones.

  • Consider whether advanced planning is right for you.

    If you have specific desires, look into the options. These might include religious or cultural requirements.

    • Begin building your file

    • Consider a password manager