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Category Archives: Estate Planning

What's the difference between elder law and estate planning?

Elder Law vs. Estate Planning: What’s the Difference?

By Andre O. McDonald |

The short answer: Both estate planning and elder law share similar concerns. The longer answer? The differences make all the difference.   Elder Law vs. Estate Planning: The Concerns are Similar   No matter what age we’re, life can deliver some hard knocks. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. We can… Read More »

6 Steps to Planning for End-of-Life Wishes

6 Steps to Ensuring Your End-of-Life Wishes Are Met

By Andre O. McDonald |

Contemplating our own death is one of the hardest challenges we will ever have to face. Yet, if we want our dying to be meaningful and merciful, it is imperative that we think about it while we still can. Part of doing so involves thinking through our end-of-life wishes.   For most of us,… Read More »

The truth about ALS and healthcare power of attorney

Live and Learn: ALS and Healthcare Powers of Attorney

By Andre O. McDonald |

Strong healthcare powers of attorney are indeed powerful for a condition like Alzheimer’s. But it may come as a surprise to learn that a good “basic” advance-directive document needs considerable supplementation when it comes to a dreadful illness like ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ordinarily, if a patient becomes unable… Read More »

Don't risk making these estate planning mistakes!

Don’t risk making these 11 costly estate planning mistakes!

By Andre O. McDonald |

Unfortunately, estate planning is often viewed as a “luxury” that is only necessary for the wealthy. In reality, a properly executed estate plan is an important financial document that everyone should have, regardless of how many assets they have to their name. That being said, even if you do have an estate plan, it’s… Read More »

Liability planning tips that every physician should know

3 Liability Planning Tips Every Physician Should Know

By Andre O. McDonald |

You probably know that the practice of medicine is a profession fraught with the risk of liability.  It’s not just medical malpractice claims either (although those are certainly scary enough). It’s the entire scope of risk from being in business, including employment-related issues, careless business partners and employees, and contractual obligations, as well as… Read More »

What's the difference between dying intestate vs. with a will or trust?

Wills, Trusts & Dying Intestate: What’s the Difference?

By Andre O. McDonald |

“Estate planning is for the rich! I don’t have enough assets to do an estate plan!” Sounds familiar? These are some of the excuses folks make in order to justify not creating an estate plan. While most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is a good thing, many of us… Read More »

Here are 4 end-of-life documents you may need to ensure your wishes are carried out

4 End-of-Life Documents You May Need

By Andre O. McDonald |

You may think your living will is in order, including instructions regarding resuscitation commonly referred to as a DNR (do not resuscitate). While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you stated. The frightening truth is that mistakes regarding your end-of-life… Read More »

5 Scenarios to Consider Before Gifting Money

Planning on Gifting Money this Holiday Season? 5 Things to Consider

By Andre O. McDonald |

The holiday season is a time to enjoy friends, family, and loved ones. Often we consider our life circumstances and may get in the spirit of giving. This is particularly true if you are at a point in your life were you have enough from a financial standpoint. If you are planning on gifting… Read More »

Why many baby boomers are turning to housemate living in retirement

Solo Aging, Independent Living and the New Housemate Trend

By Andre O. McDonald |

Solo aging in the baby boomer generation is becoming more prevalent, but many Americans are running out of family caregivers to assist them in their quest to remain independent as they age. The ratio of caregivers to care recipients has fallen and is projected to continue to do so for the next forty years…. Read More »

Dementia and it's impact on a marriage

Dementia and its Effect on a Marriage (UPDATED: August 2019)

By Andre O. McDonald |

(Columbia, MD) When someone you love, in particular – your spouse – becomes ill, you want to help them get well. But what happens when the illness is dementia? A marital relationship that could have spanned years or decades becomes subject to enormous change, and that change is not a slow linear progression of… 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.

Columbia Office

10500 Little Patuxent Parkway
Suite 420
Columbia, MD 21044-3563

P: 443-741-1088
F: 443-977-6977

Bethesda Office:

7315 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 800 West
Bethesda, MD 20814

P: 301-941-7809
F: 443-977-6977
(By Appointment Only)

Washington, DC Office:

1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W.
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20007

P: 202-640-2133
F: 443-977-6977
(By Appointment Only)

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