Living Trusts Lawyer in Dunkirk, Maryland

Thinking about what happens to your home, savings, or business after you're gone can feel overwhelming. If you're like many families in Dunkirk, Maryland, you want to make choices that protect your loved ones, avoid unnecessary stress, and honor your wishes. 

You might be wondering whether a living trust is right for your situation or how to get started without getting lost in legal paperwork. At the Law Offices of Julia A. Schejbal, CHTD, we help families in Dunkirk, Maryland, make informed choices about their estate planning options. 

One of the most effective tools we recommend is a living trust. These trusts offer flexibility, privacy, and peace of mind, helping you keep control over your legacy. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start building a plan that fits your goals.

Why Consider a Living Trust?

A living trust gives you the ability to transfer your assets during your lifetime and decide how they should be handled after your death. Unlike a will, a living trust doesn't have to go through probate, which can save your family time, money, and stress.

According to Financial Sense, only 32% of Americans had an estate plan in 2024, highlighting just how many families are leaving their futures uncertain. By taking the time to create a trust now, you can protect your assets, reduce stress for your loved ones, and make your wishes crystal clear.

Here are a few key benefits of setting up a living trust:

• Avoiding probate: Your beneficiaries can receive their inheritance without going through a lengthy court process.

• Maintaining privacy: Trusts are private documents and don't become part of the public record.

• Providing control: You decide the terms of the trust, including when and how assets are distributed.

• Protecting dependents: Special provisions can be added for minor children or loved ones with disabilities.

• Planning for incapacity: A successor trustee can manage the trust if you're no longer able to do so.

With so many benefits, it's important to know what actually goes into a trust plan, so you can feel confident about every part of the process.

What We Include in a Living Trust Plan

We believe estate planning should be tailored to each family. When you meet with us to create a trust plan, we’ll walk through every detail and help you create a plan that matches your goals.

Here’s what our typical living trust package includes:

• Revocable living trust document: The foundation of your estate plan, allowing flexible asset management.

• Pour-over will: Directs any assets not already in the trust to be included after death.

• Durable power of attorney: Authorizes someone to make financial decisions if you're incapacitated.

• Advance health care directive: States your medical preferences and appoints a healthcare proxy.

• HIPAA authorization: Grants trusted individuals access to your medical records.

• Asset transfer documents: Helps shift ownership of property into the trust.

Each of these pieces plays a role in giving you peace of mind and protecting your estate.

When a Living Trust Makes Sense

Not every family needs a trust, but there are several situations where one is especially helpful. If any of the scenarios below apply to you, it might be time to talk with us:

• Own property in multiple states: You own property in more than one state.

• Want to avoid probate: You want to avoid probate for your heirs.

• Blended family needs: You have children from a previous marriage.

• Special needs care: You’re caring for someone with special needs.

• Health-related planning: You’re concerned about managing your affairs if your health declines.

These situations often call for a trust that allows for flexibility and long-term planning.

Upgrading Your Estate Plan With a Living Trust

Many of our clients come to us with an existing will and wonder if they should switch to a trust. While a will does offer basic asset distribution, it doesn’t avoid probate or offer the same level of protection and control.

We’ll sit down with you, review your current documents, and help you decide if updating your estate plan is the right move. A living trust can be integrated with your will to make the transition smooth and effective.

How We Work With You

We believe that estate planning should be a conversation, not a transaction. That’s why we start with a personal consultation. We want to hear your story, understand your family’s needs, and help you decide if a living trust is the right choice.

Our process includes:

• Initial discussion: Listening to your goals and concerns.

• Asset and document review: Reviewing your assets and existing estate documents.

• Strategy development: Identifying the best legal tools for your situation.

• Custom drafting: Drafting a personalized living trust and related documents.

• Ongoing support: Answering your questions every step of the way.

This hands-on approach helps us build lasting relationships with our clients.

How a Living Trust Supports Your Legacy

One of the most meaningful benefits of a living trust is the ability to shape your legacy. Whether you're thinking about leaving a gift to charity, passing down a family home, or protecting a family business, a trust can make your intentions clear.

A living trust also gives you the ability to:

• Support young beneficiaries: Provide for minor children until they’re ready.

• Prevent misuse of inheritance: Guard against waste or poor decisions.

• Include charitable giving: Specify donations or causes close to your heart.

• Reduce family disputes: Clarify your intentions and avoid misunderstandings.

• Plan for long-term care: Allocate resources for future health needs.

With the right plan in place, your family won’t have to guess about your wishes.

Choosing a Trustee

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when creating a trust is choosing the right trustee. This person or institution will be responsible for managing the trust according to your instructions. They don’t have to be a legal or financial expert, but they do need to be trustworthy, organized, and able to act in the best interest of your beneficiaries.

Some common options include:

• Family member: A trusted family member who knows your values.

• Close friend: Someone familiar and reliable outside the family.

• Professional fiduciary: A licensed individual with estate experience

• Corporate trustee: An institution like a bank or trust company.

We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each and decide what’s best for your family.

Common Myths About Living Trusts

There are a lot of myths surrounding living trusts, and it’s easy to get confused. Here are a few of the most common ones we hear:

• I’m not wealthy enough to need a trust: You don’t need a huge estate to benefit from the structure and clarity a trust provides.

• A will is enough: A will can’t avoid probate or offer the same protections a trust can.

• Trusts are only for the elderly: Young families use trusts to protect their kids and plan for unexpected events.

• I’ll lose control of my assets: With a revocable trust, you remain in control while you’re alive and able.

Clearing up these myths helps people feel more confident about moving forward with their estate plans.

Our Commitment to Families in Dunkirk and Beyond

We’re proud to serve families in Dunkirk, Maryland, and we believe that every family deserves a thoughtful estate plan. Attorney Julia A. Schejbal and our law firm take pride in building trust-based relationships that last through life’s many stages.

Whether you’re creating your first estate plan or revising an old one, we’ll take the time to guide you through your options, explain your documents, and give you the tools to protect your legacy. A living trust isn’t just a legal document; it’s a commitment to the people you care about most.