Law Office of Elaine R. Fors-MacKellar

09/27/2025

This is a result of one of the many new laws in Maryland effective on 10/1/25.

Marylanders with developmental disabilities, such as autism, can go to your nearest Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to request a Voluntary Developmental Disability Disclosure Card. The card is the size of a driver's license and blue for easy recognition. It is designed to help with effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with developmental disabilities. You can visit the information desk at any of our 24 branches during normal business hours to receive your card.

08/21/2025

It is time to send your college bound student back to school.
In order for parents to continue to support the student with health issues and financial affairs, it is important to have a POA for health care (designating a parent as health care agent and containing a HIPAA release). A financial POA form is also recommended. These are standard forms in MD which are free and available online.
You should also have a signed FERPA form that allows access to your student's educational records.

07/12/2025

Tenants Bill of Rights law in Maryland
https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Tenant-Landlord-Affairs/Documents/Tenant-Bill-of-Rights-V1.pdf

06/30/2025

Twenty seven percent (27%) of nursing homes, especially in rural areas, will face possible closures with the cuts to Medicaid that are proposed in the GOP budget bill.

https://skillednursingnews.com/2025/06/consequences-are-undeniable-new-ahca-survey-warns-medicaid-cuts-could-force-nursing-home-closures/

Sixty four percent (64%) of nursing home beds in Maryland are paid for by Medicaid.
If you have a senior relative who is in a MD nursing home, is your family prepared to provide in-home care, or to pay privately (the average cost of nursing home care in MD is $11,000 per month).
If you are a senior yourself, will you have the income to pay $11,000 a month?
Mitch McConnell says voters will "get over" the loss of Medicaid. 🤔

Proposed Medicaid cuts are spurring widespread concern among nursing home providers, as reductions would severely impact care quality, staffing, and

05/31/2025

Fish without a license on June 7, 14, or July 4 during Maryland's free fishing days!

If you’re a license holder, it’s a perfect time to introduce a friend or family member to fishing without an upfront cost.

05/05/2025

03/02/2025

11/12/2024

If you are (or you know) someone who is at risk of deportation proceedings and who has minor children, familiarity with the MD Standby Guardian process can be important.

Step 1: Fear of Detention or DeportationAn undocumented parent fears that his/her children could be placed in the Maryland foster care system if detained or deported. Informal arrangements are risky and may not protect the child if the child has a medical emergency, needs to be enrolled in a differe...

11/12/2024

REMINDER: Everyone who has not done estate planning should do it ASAP, especially if you have special circumstances in your family, LGBTQ members, disability or special needs, immigrants, or blended families.
And those who have done planning should always review their plans for needed updates every 3 years or so. The significant changes in policy and laws that may flow from this election merit immediate attention to be sure your goals are met and interests are protected.

05/02/2024

Reminder: Keep your estate plan updated.