Frequently Asked Questions

This practice only handles matters relating to Estate Planning and Estate Administration. If your matter is not for Estate Planning or Estate Administration, then you will be referred to a different practice that may be able to take your case.  

It depends! 

Estate Planning documents are customized to your specific needs. During the free initial consultation, Mr. Stone will go over which documents best fit your needs and quote you a fee for the preparation of these documents. You are not under any obligation pay the quoted fee or hire Mr. Stone during the consultation.   

Estate Administration (probate) attorney fees  are governed by Maryland law and are generally calculated based on the total value of the Estate at the conclusion of administration. Because the final value of the Estate may change during the case, it is hard to determine the exact attorney fees during an initial consultation. Mr. Stone can provide you with a general estimate of what the attorney fees are likely to be. 

Estate Planning: Maryland law requires that Estate Planning documents are signed in ink. You can attend the initial consultation remotely and review your drafts electronically, but the signing must be completed in person. 

Estate Administration: Most, if not all, of the process can be completed electronically. If you are the Personal Representative, you may be asked to sign certain documents in ink based on the Courts requirements. 

Yes, all clients are strongly encouraged to review their documents to make sure they are complete and correct before anything is signed. 

For Estate plans, we also offer an additional option before scheduling an appointment to sign:  If you pay at least a 50% deposit towards the quoted fee, we can email a draft of your estate plan (or arrange for the in-person pickup of a paper copy) to review at home.