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Author Archives: Andre O. McDonald

Probate and estate administration details that TV & the movies get wrong

Probate and Estate Administration Details that TV and Movies Get Wrong

By Andre O. McDonald |

While television and movies provide great entertainment, they are not always factual. Even shows based on real events are not entirely accurate. Creators of television programs and movies will often alter details of a story or situation to provide an enjoyable experience. Because of these widespread embellishments, people often develop misconceptions about many industries… Read More »

What is the executor's role to play in your estate plan?

Demystifying Probate and the Executor’s Role

By Andre O. McDonald |

When creating a last will and testament (commonly known as a will), one of your most important considerations is who to choose to serve as the executor (also called a personal representative) of your estate. But what exactly is the executor’s role? As the name implies, the executor’s role is to execute the instructions… Read More »

First-Party vs. Third-Party Special Needs Trust: What's the Difference?

Who Should Be the Trustee of a Third-Party Special Needs Trust?

By Andre O. McDonald |

Family members with special needs may require assistance throughout their lives. If you want to ensure that a loved one with a disability is taken care of after you are gone, you can help manage resources for them by using a third-party special needs trust (SNT). Also known as a supplemental needs trust, a… Read More »

Why a comprehensive estate plan is critical for ensuring your final wishes are met

Saying Goodbye Is Hard: How a Comprehensive Estate Plan Can Help

By Andre O. McDonald |

When people think about estate planning, they usually focus on who will receive their money and property when they pass away and how it will be received. However, estate planning can also address your end-of-life wishes—the considerations and expenses involved when it is time to say goodbye to your loved ones. The following are… Read More »

Understanding the purpose of a Residuary Clause in estate planning

What Is a Residuary Clause and Why Is It Important?

By Andre O. McDonald |

When developing your estate plan, it is nearly impossible to address every account or property you own. There are sure to be some things you unintentionally overlook. However, by including a residuary clause, you can intentionally disburse any remaining items inadvertently left over during the estate or trust administration process to a named beneficiary… Read More »

Understanding what happens to real estate with a mortgage after death

What Happens to Real Estate With a Mortgage When I Die?

By Andre O. McDonald |

Your mortgage, like the rest of your debt, does not simply disappear when you die. If you leave your home that has an outstanding loan to a beneficiary in your will or trust, your beneficiary will inherit not only the property, but also the outstanding debt. They may have the right to keep the… Read More »

Understanding the responsibilities and duties of a trustee

How Much Authority Does a Trustee Have Over the Stuff in My Trust?

By Andre O. McDonald |

A trustee is a person or entity responsible for managing and administering your trust according to your instructions and in accordance with state law. They are considered a fiduciary (meaning they are held to a higher standard of care and owe certain duties to the beneficiaries). As a fiduciary, a trustee must protect the… Read More »

Understanding the differences between survivor's trust vs. decedant trust

I’m a Survivor . . . and Now I Have My Own Trust?

By Andre O. McDonald |

Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can provide greater flexibility, but a joint trust can be structured so that when one spouse passes away, the trust is split into two subtrusts:… Read More »

Understanding the pros and cons of a testamentary trust

Testamentary Trusts: The Best of Both Worlds?

By Andre O. McDonald |

You have several different options when it comes to creating the right estate plan. Some people believe that a revocable living trust is the best way to go, while others think that a last will and testament (commonly known as a will) is best under certain circumstances. Others may find that a combination of… Read More »

Understanding the purpose of the Deceased Spousal Unused Exclusion Amount (DSUEA) in Estate Planning

What Is the “Last Surviving Spouse Rule”?

By Andre O. McDonald |

Estate planning can be a significant part of successful financial management, especially for married couples. One key consideration is minimizing estate taxes, which can substantially affect the distribution of money and property to a married couple’s loved ones. Part of this is understanding the purpose of the Deceased Spousal Unused Exclusion Amount, commonly referred… Read More »

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For help with estate planning, special needs planning or elder law throughout Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore County; and Baltimore City, contact McDonald Law Firm, LLC.

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McDonald Law Firm, LLC

Columbia Office

10500 Little Patuxent Pkwy, #420
Columbia, MD 21044-3563

Bethesda Office:

(By Appointment Only)

7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800 West
Bethesda, MD 20814

Washington, DC Office:

2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20037

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