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Shedden Law, LLC Boutique client centric law firm concentrating on estate planning and elder law.

Guardianship isn’t always the first or only option.When someone begins struggling with finances, health-care decisions, ...
09/27/2026

Guardianship isn’t always the first or only option.

When someone begins struggling with finances, health-care decisions, or everyday needs, families understandably start thinking about guardianship.

But the better first question may be:

What does this person actually need help with?

Depending on the circumstances, a Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, supported decision-making, representative payee, trust, or other support may address the problem without requiring a full guardianship.

And sometimes guardianship really is necessary.

The goal is to find the least restrictive option that still keeps the person safe and protected.

This is also why planning before a crisis matters. Some alternatives may no longer be available once a person lacks the capacity needed to put them in place.

Needing help and needing a guardian are not always the same thing.

📍 Maryland + Washington, DC
📞 Shedden Law, LLC | 301-223-0155

General educational information only; not legal advice.

09/08/2026

Want to disinherit a child? Leaving them $1 may be the wrong way to do it.

You’ve probably heard the advice:

💬 “Don’t leave them out completely. Leave them $1 so they can’t say you fight it.”

But when it comes to a trust, that symbolic $1 can create an unnecessary problem.

By intentionally leaving someone a beneficial interest—even a very small one—you may give that person rights as a beneficiary that you never intended them to have.

If your intention is to disinherit someone, your estate planning documents can address that clearly and intentionally without creating a token gift.

The bigger lesson?

Don’t rely on estate planning advice simply because you’ve heard it repeated for years.

A few words in a Will or Trust can have legal consequences far beyond the dollar amount involved.

📍 Estate Planning & Elder Law | Maryland + Washington, DC
📞 Shedden Law, LLC | 301-223-0155

General educational information only and not legal advice.

09/02/2026

Imagine being disinherited because of a decision made nearly 40 years ago.

I’m looking forward to presenting at National Business Institute’s upcoming course, “Use of Annuities in Medicaid Planni...
09/01/2026

I’m looking forward to presenting at National Business Institute’s upcoming course, “Use of Annuities in Medicaid Planning” on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Join us!

Register here: https://nbi-sems.com/products/102585

Use promo code RSVPNBI at checkout to save $50!

Hope to see you there!

07/26/2026

Deeds 101: Do You Know How You Own Your Home?

A recent discussion about spouses owning property as joint tenants revealed something important:

Many homeowners do not know how their property is titled or what that means.

The wording on your deed may determine:

* What happens to your interest when you die.
* Whether the property passes automatically to a co-owner.
* Whether the property becomes part of your probate estate.
* Whether your Will controls who receives your share.
* What rights each owner has during their lifetime.

Owning a home with someone does not automatically mean the property will pass the way you expect.

Pull out your deed and look at how ownership is listed. If the language is unclear, have it reviewed as part of your estate plan.

Your deed is not just paperwork. It is part of your estate plan.

This news story tells the heartbreaking story of a mother whose remains reportedly remained at a funeral home for **four...
07/24/2026

This news story tells the heartbreaking story of a mother whose remains reportedly remained at a funeral home for **four years** while her children fought over her final arrangements.

One detail stood out to me.

**She died without a Will.**

A Will Does More Than Distribute Your Assets

A comprehensive estate plan can help:

* Identify the people you trust to carry out your wishes.
* Reduce uncertainty during an already emotional time.
* Minimize the risk of family conflict.
* Provide guidance instead of leaving loved ones to guess what you would have wanted.

When There Is No Plan...

Families are often left to answer difficult questions during one of the hardest moments of their lives.

When emotions are high, disagreements can quickly become legal battles.

Estate planning isn't just about what happens to your money.

It's about protecting the people you love from unnecessary conflict.

The greatest gift you can leave your family isn't an inheritance it’s clarity.

Can a Personal Representative decide who deserves an inheritance?Many people assume the answer is **yes**, but that’s on...
07/20/2026

Can a Personal Representative decide who deserves an inheritance?

Many people assume the answer is **yes**, but that’s one of the biggest misconceptions I hear.

A Personal Representative’s job isn’t to decide who gets what. Their responsibility is to carry out the terms of the Will or, if there isn’t one, follow Maryland or DC law.

If your wishes are:
✔️ Unequal distributions
✔️ Disinheriting someone
✔️ Leaving a special gift to a loved one

Those decisions need to be made **while you’re alive** through a properly prepared estate plan, not after your death.

Planning ahead gives your family clarity, minimizes conflict, and helps ensure your wishes are honored.

Have questions about protecting your family or avoiding probate issues? I’d be happy to help.

📍Serving Maryland & Washington, DC

07/16/2026

Can families end up in court over who has the right to bury a loved one?

Unfortunately, yes.

There was a recent matter that was a heartbreaking reminder that grief and family conflict can collide when there isn’t a clear plan in place.

Estate planning isn’t just about who inherits your assets. It’s also about helping your loved ones navigate some of life’s most difficult moments with clarity and confidence.

Planning ahead won’t eliminate grief, but it can help reduce uncertainty and conflict when your family needs peace the most.

Have you taken the time to make your wishes known?

📍Serving Maryland & Washington, DC

**$93 trillion is expected to change hands over the coming years.**But here’s the question that matters:**Will your fami...
07/14/2026

**$93 trillion is expected to change hands over the coming years.**

But here’s the question that matters:

**Will your family know what to do when it’s their turn?**

The largest wealth transfer in history is already underway. Yet too many families are unprepared, not because they don’t have assets, but because they don’t have a plan.

Without proper estate planning, your loved ones may face:
• Probate
• Delays in accessing assets
• Family disagreements
• Uncertainty during one of life’s most difficult moments

Estate planning isn’t reserved for the wealthy.

It’s for anyone who wants to make life easier for the people they love.

✨ Your greatest legacy isn’t simply what you leave behind—it’s the peace of mind you leave with your family.

Have you reviewed your estate plan in the last 3–5 years?

📍Serving Maryland & Washington, DC

🏡 Protect Your Home. Plan Your Legacy.Join us for a free virtual webinar on **August 1st** with Shedden Law and Chad Cra...
07/08/2026

🏡 Protect Your Home. Plan Your Legacy.

Join us for a free virtual webinar on **August 1st** with Shedden Law and Chad Craig.

We’ll discuss how estate planning and real estate work together, including:

• Protecting your home and other property
• Avoiding common estate planning mistakes
• Planning for incapacity
• Preparing your property for future generations
• Understanding what happens to real estate after death

Whether you are a homeowner, buying a home, selling a home, or simply beginning to think about your family’s future, this webinar will provide practical information to help you plan with confidence.

📅 August 1st
💻 Virtual Webinar
🔗 Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/estate-planning-virtual-workshop-tickets-1992601222897?aff=oddtdtcreator

Address

9103 Woodmore Center Drive #249
Lanham, MD
20706

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13012230155

Website

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