An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to decide what you want to happen in case there is a medical emergency or if you get sick. It gives healthcare providers specific instructions on what you want while you are being treated. Examples include being able to tell your doctor whether you want to be placed on life support, whether you want CPR, whether you want medicine for pain relief, or whether you want life-prolonging treatments. You can also name a healthcare agent who can speak for you about what medical care you want. This person can be your family member or someone else. It is important to pick someone that you trust as these are serious decisions. It is also important to sit down with your healthcare agent and tell them your wishes to prevent any misunderstandings about your care.

If you have any questions, please call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to answer all of your questions.

Having a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family. A will is a written document directing the disposition of your assets upon your death. It will legally protect your spouse, your children, your assets, and it will direct how you would like your assets handled after you pass away. In Maryland, the will must be signed by the person making the will and signed by two (2) credible witnesses in the presence of that person. Once it is signed, make sure your family members or executor know where it is kept. You can even register it with the Register of Wills in your county.

Having a will minimizes any family disputes that may arise about your estate. It also allows your family members to expedite the probate process. While your estate must still go through the probate process even if you have a will, having it will have the probate court serve only for the purpose of administering your estate rather than having it decide how to divide your estate. Once you have drafted and signed your will, it is important to revisit this document periodically to ensure it still reflects what you want. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to discuss your estate planning needs with you.

In Maryland, a pendente lite hearing (“PL hearing”) is a hearing that takes place while a divorce or child custody action is still in the process of litigation. The purpose of this hearing is to provide a temporary order before the final hearing takes place.

When a PL hearing is requested by either one or both parties, the court may order a hearing on the next available court date. This request can either be made in writing or orally and is usually made at the parties’ Scheduling Conference. The court will also set time limits for the hearing which usually is up to three (3) hours. The hearing can take into consideration issues like child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and attorney’s fees. The purpose of this hearing is to maintain status quo and provide some immediate stability while the parties await their final trial.

At the PL hearing, the parties can each testify and call their own witnesses. They can also present evidence that will help substantiate their claims. To obtain more information about what a PL order means and how it may impact your case, please call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to answer all of your questions.