Why Dunkirk, MD Families Should Use a Trust to Pass Down Land | Haskell & Dyer
If your family owns land in Dunkirk, chances are it’s more than just property—it’s part of your legacy.
I meet with families all the time who’ve lived on the same land for generations.
Whether it’s farmland, wooded acreage, or just a home that’s been in the family since your grandparents’ time, that land holds deep value—both emotionally and financially.
But here’s the hard truth: passing that land down with just a will might not protect it the way you think it will.
Let me explain.
The Problem With Wills Alone
Many people assume that having a will is enough.
They think, “I wrote it out, I said who gets the land, I’m covered.”
But that’s not how it works.
In Maryland, a will has to go through probate.
That’s a court process where the state reviews your estate, makes sure debts are paid, and then distributes what’s left.
It sounds simple, but probate can be a time-consuming process, sometimes taking over a year, and it comes with costs.
Court fees. Attorney fees. Appraisal costs.
That all adds up.
Even worse, when land passes through probate, it becomes public record.
Anyone can see what you owned and who got it. If there are disagreements among your heirs or if someone tries to contest the will, things can get messy fast.
Why a Trust Makes More Sense
Here’s where a living trust comes in.
A living trust is a legal document that lets you place your land (and other assets) into the trust while you’re alive.
You still control it.
You still use it.
But when you pass away, the land doesn’t go through probate.
It goes straight to your chosen beneficiary.
No court. No delay. No public record.
And in many cases, this can help avoid property tax hikes or keep the land from being sold off to settle estate costs.
That’s especially important for large parcels in Dunkirk that have appreciated over the years.
Keeping Land in the Family
I’ve worked with clients in Dunkirk who own 20, 30, even 50 acres of land that’s been passed down for generations.
If that land ends up divided between multiple children, without a trust, it can be hard to manage. One child might want to sell. Another might want to farm it.
Before you know it, the land gets split, or worse, sold to pay taxes or settle debts.
A trust lets you set rules.
You can say, “This land stays in the family. It can’t be sold unless all my children agree.”
Alternatively, you can designate one child to oversee it, allowing the others to benefit.
It’s flexible—and it puts you in control.
We Can Make It Simple
Setting up a trust isn’t scary or complicated. I walk my clients through the process step by step.
We talk about your land, your goals, and your family.
Then we build a trust that protects what matters most.
If you live in Dunkirk and want to make sure your land stays in the family without drama or delay, a trust might be the most brilliant move you can make.
Let’s talk. I’m here to help you protect your legacy.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.
Estate Attorney | Haskell & Dyer, Upper Marlboro, MD
