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Why you still need an estate plan with the Trump Tax Cuts

Is Estate Planning Still Necessary With the Trump Tax Cuts?

By Andre O. McDonald |

Now that Tax Day 2018 is in the rear-view mirror for many Americans, a question many of them will have to reckon with moving forward, is estate planning still necessary with the Trump Tax Cuts? The Tax Cut and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Trump in 2017. The new tax law… Read More »

5 Common Care Arrangements for Adults with Special Needs

5 Care Options for Adults with Special Needs

By Andre O. McDonald |

There are numerous care options available for adults with special needs. The options available vary based on the level of care required, ranging from those adults with special needs who are able to be more independent, to those who need advanced medical care. When planning for- or selecting- care options for special needs adults,… Read More »

Preparation Advice for Caring for a sibling with special needs

3 Tips for Caring for a Sibling with Special Needs

By Andre O. McDonald |

When a family has a child with special needs, the care of that child eventually falls on the shoulders of the entire family. The parents generally care for the child for as long as they are able. However, when the parents begin to age, the siblings are often called upon to take over care… Read More »

What is a Medicaid Divorce?

Can a “Medicaid Divorce” Protect Your Assets?

By Andre O. McDonald |

The term Medicaid divorce refers to a strategic (yet often controversial) legal concept where an otherwise happily married couple will seek a divorce so that one spouse can qualify for Medicaid assistance, and impoverishing the well spouse. To better illustrate why a married couple might consider a Medicaid divorce, let’s take a look at an… Read More »

Understanding the importance of long-term care planning

The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning

By Andre O. McDonald |

Life expectancy in the United States has continued an upward trend over the last several decades. The average life expectancy for men is 76.4 years and the average for women is a healthy 81.2 years of age. What has not trended upward, however, is the number of people engaging in long-term care planning. The… Read More »

4 Ways to Avoid Guardianship

4 Ways to Avoid Guardianship

By Andre O. McDonald |

What is a guardianship, and when is it necessary? In Maryland, a guardianship is usually defined as a protective legal proceeding for someone who is incapacitated or disabled and unable to manage his/her own financial and/or medical affairs. Incapacitated, as it relates to an adult, means that an individual is no longer able to… Read More »

Understanding the Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease 101: What You Need to Know to Be Prepared

By Andre O. McDonald |

(Updated November 2021)  November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. In 1983, then-President Ronald Reagan made November the designated month for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Then fewer than 2 million Americans were diagnosed with this devastating illness that then and now destroys the lives of the people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the families who… Read More »

Do I really need an advance directive?

Yes, You Do Need an Advance Directive. Here’s Why.

By Andre O. McDonald |

Most of us don’t like to think about the possibility of something harmful happening to us or a loved one. Because of this, we rarely think about how to protect ourselves and our loved ones if the worst were to happen. However, just as it is important to buy homeowner’s insurance to protect your… Read More »

Understanding the cost of dementia

The Staggering Cost of Dementia to Society

By Andre O. McDonald |

Many Marylanders know of someone who has been diagnosed with dementia. It is a costly, heart-breaking and life- altering syndrome that is nearly doubling in the numbers of people affected worldwide every 20 years. Dementia has affected the likes of Rosa Parks, James Doohan, Robin Williams, Ronald Reagan, Charlton Heston, Norman Rockwell, and many… Read More »

The importance of a special needs trust

10 Tips for Using a Special Needs Trust to Protect Your Child

By Andre O. McDonald |

When caring for a child or loved one with special needs, it’s important to understand what resources are available to you, and what steps can be taken to provide quality care and financial security is vital to your dependent’s lifetime needs. Careful planning and a properly executed special needs trust can protect your loved… 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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