ANNE ARUNDEL, CALVERT, CHARLES, ST. MARY’S & PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTIES.
Wills | Haskell & Dyer
Write a Will, or Maryland Decides Who Inherits.
A will is the foundation of most plans. It says who inherits what, names a guardian for your children, and appoints the person you trust to carry out your wishes. We help you put one in place that holds up.
Compassionate estate planning for families across Southern Maryland. The consultation is a conversation, not a commitment.
If You Don't Have a Will Yet
Without one, Maryland law decides for you.
If you die without a will, the state's intestacy rules choose who inherits and who raises your minor children, and your own wishes do not enter into it. A will puts those decisions back in your hands. Putting one in place is simpler than most people expect, and we will walk you through it.
What a Will Does
Three Decisions You Get to Make
A will is short on length and long on impact. It settles three questions that otherwise fall to a court.
What It Controls
Who Inherits, and Who's in Charge
Your will directs who receives your property, names a guardian for minor children, and appoints the personal representative who carries out your wishes. You decide all three, in advance, instead of leaving them to the intestacy rules.
What It Needs
It Has to Be Done Right
Maryland sets formal requirements for a valid will: it has to be in writing, signed, and properly witnessed. A homemade will that misses a step can fail when it matters most. We make sure yours meets every requirement.
The Building Blocks
What Goes Into Your Will
A good will covers more than a list of who gets what. These are the parts we help you think through.
Who inherits your property
A guardian for minor children
Your personal representative
Specific gifts and bequests
What happens to the remainder
Backup choices for each role
Why It Matters
What a Will Spares Your Family
The point of a will is not paperwork. It is the difference it makes for the people you leave behind.
Clarity
Your wishes are written down, not guessed at
Children
You choose who raises your kids
Control
You name who settles your estate
Peace
Less room for conflict among the family
How We Help You Put a Will in Place
We make this straightforward: understand your situation, draft it clearly, and sign it correctly so it holds up.
We Listen First
We start with your family, your assets, and your wishes, so the will fits your life rather than a template.
We Draft It Clearly
Plain, precise language that says exactly what you want, with no gaps for a court to fill in later.
We Sign It Correctly
We handle the signing and witnessing the right way, so the will meets Maryland's requirements and stands.
We Keep It Current
Life changes. We help you update the will after a marriage, a birth, a move, or a change in your assets.
Common Questions
Wills, Answered
What happens if I die without a will in Maryland?
Your estate is distributed under Maryland's intestacy laws, which set a fixed order of who inherits, usually starting with your spouse and children. The court also decides who administers the estate and, if needed, who raises your minor children. Your own preferences do not control any of it. A will lets you make those choices yourself instead.
Can't I just write my own will at home?
You can write one, but Maryland has formal requirements for a will to be valid, and a do-it-yourself version often misses them or uses language that is unclear. A small mistake can invalidate the whole document or spark a dispute among your heirs. Having it done correctly is inexpensive compared to the cost of a will that fails.
What does a personal representative actually do?
The personal representative, sometimes called the executor, is the person who carries out your will: gathering your assets, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to your heirs. It is a real responsibility, so choose someone organized and trustworthy. You can also name a backup in case your first choice cannot serve.
How often should I update my will?
Review it after any major life change: a marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a significant change in your assets, a move to a new state, or the death of someone named in it. Even without a big event, a check every few years is wise. Updating a will is simple, and keeping it current keeps it accurate.
Does having a will avoid probate?
No, and that surprises a lot of people. A will directs how your probate estate is distributed, but the estate still goes through the probate process. If avoiding probate is a goal, a trust is the tool for that, and we can talk through whether one fits your situation alongside your will.
Ready to Put a Will in Place? Let's Make It Simple.
A clear, valid will protects your family and your wishes. Reach out and we will help you decide what yours needs and get it done right. The consultation is a conversation, not a commitment.
Prefer to talk now? Reach us at 301-627-5844