Sessa & Dorsey - Estates & Trusts Law Firm

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Sessa & Dorsey - Estates & Trusts Law Firm

At Sessa & Dorsey, we provide high-level, professional estates and trusts services in a comfortable,

06/18/2026

When someone passes away, most families are not thinking about the car in the driveway. But vehicle transfers at death can be surprisingly complicated and emotionally charged, often catching families off guard at an already difficult time.

The good news is that Maryland has made this a little easier. As of October 1, 2026, TOD (transfer-on-death) beneficiary designations are now permitted on jointly-owned motor vehicles and marine vessels. Previously available only for individually titled vehicles, this update means a smoother transfer, no probate, and one less thing for your family to navigate.

It is a small update with a meaningful impact for families going through the estate settlement process.

At Sessa & Dorsey, we help clients think through every detail of their estate plan, including the ones that tend to get overlooked. If you would like to review your plan in light of recent legal changes, contact us at (443) 589-5600 or schedule a consultation: www.sessadorsey.com/contact-us/

06/16/2026

We are so excited to welcome Kiara Douglass to the Sessa & Dorsey team!

Kiara joins us as an associate attorney, bringing experience in estate planning, estate administration, and trust administration. She earned her Juris Doctor, cm laude, from Widener University Commonwealth Law School and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Prior to joining us, Kiara practiced at a Pennsylvania general practice firm where she focused on estate planning and administration, civil litigation, and professional licensing matters.

Outside of work, Kiara loves to travel, spend time with friends, and explore everything the DMV has to offer, from neighborhood festivals to local events and activities.

We are thrilled to have her on the team and look forward to the energy and expertise she brings to our clients. Welcome, Kiara!

06/10/2026

We are thrilled to share that Rita Browne is joining the board of the Baltimore Estate Planning Council starting July 1.

Rita's dedication to her clients and her profession is something we admire every day at Sessa & Dorsey.

This new role is a reflection of the expertise, integrity, and genuine care she brings to everything she does, and we could not be prouder to have her on our team.

Congratulations, Rita! We look forward to seeing the impact you will make.

06/05/2026

As people get older, it is common to think about what might happen if managing financial or legal decisions became more difficult.

If those concerns are starting to arise, timing matters.

Estate planning tools such as Financial Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives are most effective when they are put in place while someone can still clearly express their wishes. Waiting too long can limit available options and may require court involvement to manage a person’s affairs.

Planning ahead helps ensure that your wishes are fulfilled and that trusted individuals can step in if needed without unnecessary complications.

If this is something you or your family have started to think about, the Sessa & Dorsey team is here to help. Give us a call at (443) 589-5600 or visit https://www.sessadorsey.com/contact/.

06/02/2026

We are so proud to congratulate Cheri Dorsey on her induction into the Baltimore Community Foundation's Professional Advisor Recognition Society (PARS)!

PARS honors the financial and legal professionals who prioritize philanthropy in their service to clients, and Cheri was celebrated at the society's Happy Hour & Investment Update at Barrett's Grill Restaurant in Hunt Valley. Sessa & Dorsey is proud to have not one but two members of our team recognized by this outstanding organization, with Tina Lignos having been inducted years prior.

Cheri, this is a well-deserved honor. Congratulations!

06/01/2026

Maryland estate and trust law is changing, and some of these updates may have a direct impact on your estate plan:

Effective October 1, 2026:
✅ TOD (transfer-on-death) designations now permitted on jointly owned vehicles and marine vessels
✅ Notarized bill of sale no longer required for certain used vehicle transfers to the MVA

Pending the Governor's signature by June 2:
📝 Transfer-on-Death Deeds for real property, allowing owners to pass real estate to beneficiaries at death without probate
📝 Updates to fiduciary attorney-client privilege, non-resident personal representative appointments, and the 120-hour survival rule under the Simultaneous Death Act

If you are unsure how these changes may affect your estate plan, now is a good time to review. Give us a call or schedule a consultation.

📞 443-589-5600
🌐 www.sessadorsey.com/contact-us/

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country. From all of us at Sessa & Dorsey, thank you.

05/20/2026

Today we are celebrating Lily Gavin, our Estate Planning Paralegal, on her 2nd work anniversary at Sessa & Dorsey!

Lily plays an essential role in helping our clients navigate the estate planning process, from drafting documents and coordinating signings to keeping every detail organized and on track behind the scenes.

We are grateful for the dedication and positive impact she brings to our clients and our firm. Happy anniversary, Lily!

05/15/2026

At Sessa & Dorsey, the most common reason we recommend updating an estate plan is for a change in circumstances. But what qualifies?

A change in circumstance can mean a singular significant event, like a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a new grandchild. It can also mean looking ahead and planning for more gradual shifts: the growth or potential sale of a business, a shift in asset values, a beneficiary developing special needs, or new tax legislation which may affect your current strategy.

The reason these moments matter is that your estate plan is built around a specific set of facts and understandings. When these change, even incrementally, elements of your plan may fall out of alignment with your goals or your plan may fail to take advantage of new opportunities.

This is why a coordinated advisory team makes a meaningful difference. When your estate planning attorney, financial advisor, CPA, and other advisors and professionals are in regular communication, changes in circumstance are identified early and can be addressed before gaps develop. Without this coordination, opportunities can fall through the cracks.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Sessa & Dorsey!

Today we celebrate the terrific mothers on our team and the families we are privileged to serve. Wishing everyone a wonderful day with the people they love most.

Address

11350 McCormick Rd, Executive Plaza 3, Suite 601
Hunt Valley, MD
21030

Telephone

+14435895600

Website

http://www.sessadorsey.com/

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