
HWK’s blog focusing on estate matters
Whether you’re new to estate planning or looking to update your current strategies, our blog offers insights, practical advice, and the latest updates to help you make informed decisions. Explore topics ranging from wills and trusts to tax implications and asset protection, all designed to empower you, safeguard your loved ones’ future, and put you into an estate of mind.
Our blog content is not legal advice but rather general information. Please consult with our legal professionals for personalized advice.
Maximize Tax Benefits and Protect Your Spouse with a Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust
Valentine’s Day spending totaled nearly $26 billion in 2024, including an all-time high of $6.4 billion spent on jewelry.[1] Yet many Americans report feeling disappointed that their partner did not do enough to celebrate Valentine’s Day.[2] More than 40 percent of US adults say they feel stressed...
Protect Your Wealth and Your Spouse with a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust
February, the month of love, is the perfect time to show your loved ones that you care about their financial futures. While chocolates and flowers are nice gestures, a spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) can make a more lasting gift, especially with the record-high estate tax exemption set to...
How to Avoid Probate in Maryland
Probate can be a time-consuming and often stressful process for loved ones after someone passes away. For Maryland residents, avoiding probate means ensuring that assets are transferred efficiently, privately, and with minimal legal interference. At HWK Law Group, we understand the importance of...
One in Four Americans Say Nothing Will Motivate Them to Create a Will
The Chilling Truth: One in Four Americans Say Nothing Will Motivate Them to Create a Will In a world filled with uncertainties, it’s startling to learn that a significant portion of Americans are leaving their futures unprotected. According to recent surveys, one in four Americans state that...
New Year’s Eve Trivia
Americans are known for their “work hard, play hard” mindset. On average, we work 1,789 hours per year.[1] However, even with our play-hard mentality, many of us do not stay up to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve.[2] Less than one-third of Americans plan to either attend or host a New Year’s...
Legal Duties and Support for Family Caregivers
Legal Duties and Support for Family Caregivers: It Is Okay to Ask for Help There are times, like the holiday season, that we think about and prepare for, for much of the year. However, when they arrive, we may still feel unprepared. The holidays serve as a reminder of how quickly life happens. It...
Make Your Estate Planning List and Check It Twice
It Is Time to Make Your Estate Planning List and Check It Twice “He’s making a list. He’s checking it twice. He’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice . . . .”[1] The estate planning process can sometimes be similar to Santa’s process. You decide who should receive your money and property (the...
Wills vs. Trusts
Wills vs. Trusts: A Quick & Simple Reference Guide Confused about the differences between a will and a trust? If so, you are not alone. While it is always wise to contact experts like us, it is also important to understand the basics. Here is a quick and simple reference guide: What a...
Fall Cleanup Checklist
Fall is a time of transition. Depending on where you live and your family’s traditions, the shorter days and cooler temps of autumn could signal that it is time to ditch the short sleeves in favor of long sleeves, pack away the bicycles and tune up the ski equipment, store the lawnmower and test...
Your Estate Planning Football Roster
Your Estate Planning Team Roster Imagined as a Football Squad November is an exciting time in the world of sports. Baseball is fresh off the World Series, the NBA and NHL seasons are starting to hit their stride, and the NFL is at the halfway point as the annual Thanksgiving slate of games...