Top Estate Lawyers Near Me in Towson Area

Wilson McManus is a Maryland Estate Planning Attorney in practice since 1986 with his office in Towson. He focuses his practice on Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, and Elder Law. Mr. McManus' goal is to help people properly arrange their affairs to minimize taxes, court costs and attorneys' fees in the event of disability or death. “Estate planning isn't always expensive”, he says, “but failing to plan is”. He feels that the best approach is to help people understand estate planning and identify their estate planning options. While he and his team are available to help families through the difficult processes of Guardianship and Probate, he feels that the best estate plans permit loved ones to keep control of the family's affairs by avoiding court and attorney involvement. Mr. McManus and the staff at Stouffer Legal strive to adhere to the highest standards of legal ethics in providing economical and effective planning options.

Robert P. Oehrig was born in Baltimore and grew up in the Baltimore area. After leaving Maryland for four years to attend The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Robert returned to the Old Line State for law school. In the spring of 2014, Robert graduated from the University of Baltimore Law School.After passing the Bar Exam in July, 2014, and being admitted to the Maryland Bar, Robert and a colleague opened a general practice law firm: Oehrig & Mailman, LLC. As a Managing Partner of Oehrig & Mailman, LLC, Robert was primarily responsible for drafting pleadings, motions, briefs and other papers filed in civil litigation matters in district and circuit courts throughout Maryland. He placed great emphasis on writing clearly and conscisely so as to present the best legal arguments for the firm's clients. While a member of Oehrig & Mailman, LLC, his practice also emphasized appellate practice as well as estate planning, estate administration and probate.In July, 2016, Robert opened The Law Office of Robert P. Oehrig, LLC to pursue his own legal passions: appellate research and writing, and assisting individuals and families with all of their estate planning needs. Robert is a published author with considerable copy-editing experience; he co-edited  William Woodward Baldwin, 1862-1954: His Era Immensely Simplified, and he is presently working on the third-person narrative of a U.S. Army Ambulance Section from Harvard University that served in France for 21 months during World War One.

Mr. Hobbs serves as the Treasurer of Bodie, Dolina, Hobbs, Friddell & Grenzer, P.C. and manages the estate planning, estate and trust administration, tax, and bankruptcy departments of the firm.. Mr. Hobbs graduated from the University of Baltimore in 1987, receiving a Juris Doctorate Degree and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1987 and the District of Columbia Bar in 1988. Mr. Hobbs also received an L. L. M. Degree in Taxation from the University of Baltimore in December, 2003. Mr. Hobbs regularly advises clients regarding the establishment of business entities, including corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships. He represents businesses and individuals in estate planning and business continuation issues, as well as representing individuals and businesses in bankruptcy and credit workout situations.. He is a recognized title agent for Chicago Title Company, and is also a certified mediator for the Orphans’ Court for Baltimore County.. Mr. Hobbs from 1990 until 2003 was a member of the faculty of Stevenson University, formerly Villa Julie College, in the Paralegal Department. He has also frequently lectured at seminars sponsored by the National Business Institute and has been a guest speaker at numerous educational events sponsored by accountants and financial planners in and around Baltimore.  He frequently appears as a guest on Savvi Investor radio and the Savvi Investor Television series.. He received the 10-year pro bono award from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service and is a member of the Chesapeake Planned Giving Council, the Maryland State Planning Council and the Board of Directors of the Kennedy Krieger Planned Giving Council. He has also served as Chairperson of the Estates and Trusts Section of the Baltimore County Bar Association.

Mariela D'Alessio is the Chair of the Estates and Trust Department and focuses her practice on estate planning and estate and trust administration.. Ms. D’Alessio regularly meets with clients to implement an individualized and complete estate plan, which often includes a Last Will and Testament, Living Will, Medical and Financial Powers of Attorney, and Trusts.  In addition to the drafting of a client’s unique estate plan, Ms. D’Alessio is frequently retained to handle the administration of both estates and trusts.. Aside from her Estates and Trust practice, Ms. D’Alessio can assist clients with various transactional needs such as business formation, review and drafting of business contracts and agreements, real estate transactions such as deeds, contracts of sale, and leases, both commercial and residential.

Kristy Bayus is an associate attorney in PK Law’s Wealth Preservation Department. She focuses her practice on drafting estate planning documents, administrating trusts and probate estates, and counseling clients and their families in the areas of estate taxes, asset protection, and elder law.. Kristy enjoys explaining the nuances of estate planning to clients in both one-on-one meetings and by hosting seminars and presentations.  She is passionate about her work, which ranges from disentangling the complex tax planning needs of professional athletes, to preparing financial and medical documents for young adults entering college, and drafting Wills for new parents.. Prior to becoming an attorney, Kristy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and a Dual Degree in Business, with a related area of Western European Studies. In 2012, she received her Juris Doctor from University of Baltimore School of Law, where she was a member of the University of Baltimore Law Review and Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. Kristy also served as a judicial intern with the clerk of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals during law school.

Jason T. Vettori practices in the areas of real estate, land use and administrative law.. Mr. Vettori facilitates land use approvals for local, regional and national developers in complex commercial and residential development matters. He has also represented individual property owners with respect to licensing approvals and other real estate law matters, including but not limited to adverse possession actions.. Mr. Vettori has appeared in various courts and before administrative agencies and tribunals throughout the state, although he primarily assists clients in Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Howard County.. Mr. Vettori is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and Baltimore County Bar Association. He is a board member of the Greater Towson Committee, Inc. (GTC). He is also a board member of both the Howard County and Baltimore County Chapters of the Maryland Building Industry Association (formerly known as the Home Builders Association of Maryland). Mr. Vettori previously served on the Howard County Economic Development Transition Team for County Executive Ken Ulman.. He is a 1992 graduate of Mt. Hebron High School in Howard County, MD. Mr. Vettori graduated from Duke University in 1996 with a B.A. in Sociology, where he was a member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team. After graduating from University of Baltimore School of Law, he spent a year as the Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert E. Cahill, Sr. in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.

Jason Setty is an Associate with the Firm. He concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial and residential real estate transactions, land use, and business and commercial disputes. Mr. Setty brings years of real estate and title experience, having worked in title companies in Texas, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Mr. Setty is actively involved in representing the Firm’s affiliated title company, American Land Title Corporation.. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Setty was a litigation attorney at firms in Georgetown and Baltimore, and most recently, was a settlement attorney at a national title company in Washington, DC. Mr. Setty was also the first employee ever hired at American Land Title Corporation in 2004, where he worked while he pursued his law degree.. Mr. Setty holds an undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University (2002) and a law degree from the University of Baltimore (2008). He is admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Jane Frankel Sims is the founder and managing attorney at the Law Office of JANE FRANKEL SIMS, located in Baltimore, Maryland. Jane practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate and Gift Taxation, Estate and Trust Administration and Charitable Giving. She is admitted to the bar in Maryland, New York and the District of Columbia.. A graduate of The Park School of Baltimore, Jane completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, obtained a Masters of Education degree from Stanford University and received her law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. Before starting her own firm, Jane practiced in the areas of estate planning and taxation at Miles & Stockbridge and DLA Piper in Baltimore, as well as at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City.. Early in her career, Jane recognized the need for a transparent fee structure and client-centered approach to legal services. Jane felt that the traditional law firm model was not well suited to individual clients, so she decided to create a different standard, one in which clients deserve a clear explanation of the estate planning process and what it represents in terms of time and costs. Jane focuses not only on the drafting process, but takes into account the personal, professional and family situation of each client.. Jane and her legal staff service a growing list of business owners, professionals and high net worth individuals in the preparation of numerous types of estate planning documents including wills, trusts, durable general powers of attorney and advance directives for health care.. Jane is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker who is often called upon to speak to groups of business owners, financial service professionals and individuals on a variety of subjects ranging from her particular legal practice to entrepreneurship.. A native of Baltimore, Jane lives with her husband and their three children in Baltimore County. Committed to maintaining a strong involvement in community leadership and service, Jane is an active supporter of The Park School, Art with a Heart, The Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and The Jewish Museum of Maryland.  Jane also serves on the Baltimore Estate Planning Council, the Harvard Law School Association of Maryland and the Princeton University Alumni Association.

Jacob Rappaport, a lifelong resident of Baltimore, Maryland, attended the University of Baltimore School of Law on the Dean’s Full Tuition Scholarship based on academic merit. Mr. Rappaport graduated in May 2012, Summa Cum Laude, with a Certificate of Concentration in Estate Planning. Upon graduation, Mr. Rappaport was inducted into the Heuisler Honor Society for graduating in the top 10% of his class.. During law school, Mr. Rappaport earned the highest grade in class award in 4 classes (Contracts II, Trusts and Estates, Estates and Gift Taxation, and Estate Planning Workshop), and served as Staff and Associate Editor of the University of Baltimore Law Forum Journal.. Mr. Rappaport joined Levin & Gann, P.A.’s Corporate and Estate Planning Departments in February 2012 as a Law Clerk and became an Associate upon admission to the Maryland Bar in December 2012. Mr. Rappaport became a shareholder (partner) of the first as of January 1, 2019. Mr. Rappaport focuses on Corporate Law, Real Estate Law and Estate Planning, and holds an LL.M. in Taxation.

I prosecute my representation with concern, passion, hard work, saavy and insight of almost thirty years keep all client matters in strict confidence.  I take great pride that most of my cases are referred to me by other attorneys, CPA's and other clients.. My practice is guided by a desire to serve the Lord and to assist those in need.

I pride myself on creating straightforward and simple documents that get the deal done.  There is no reason to use 20 pages when 3 pages will do.  Please call me so that we can discuss how we can work together.

Debra A. Thomas is a Baltimore native. She is married with two sons. She has over 20 years of experience as a trial attorney and has tried cases in all jurisdictions of Maryland.. Debra A. Thomas attended Western High School and after graduation attended Goucher College, receiving a B.A.  She attended the University of Baltimore Law School where she received a Juris Doctor degree.  She was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1995. She is a member of the Maryland State Bar, Baltimore City Bar Association, Baltimore County Bar Association, Women's Bar Association, Maryland Association for Justice (formerly Trial Lawyer's Assoc.), and Alliance of Black Women Attorneys.   She is also a member of the National Black Lawyer Association.  In 2015, she was appointed by Governor Hogan to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 3rd District, Baltimore County where she interviewed and determined eligible candidates for the bench. She has been the Chair of the Family Law Committee of the Baltimore City Bar and Co-Chair of Family Law Committee of Maryland Association of Justice. She is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors of Maryland Legal Services Corporations which provides milliions of dollars to non profit agencies that provide legal services to those who cannot afford private attorneys.. Ms. Thomas worked as a Casualty Claim Manager for Allstate Insurance Company and later worked as a Trial Attorney at the Allstate Staff Counsel office in Baltimore. There she tried over 300 cases in the Circuit and District Courts in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County and Queen Anne’s County. Her experience gives her better insight to handle personal injury claims and to maximize settlements.. The law firm currently handles cases involving Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Traffic, DUI/DWI, Uncontested Divorces, Separation Agreements, Marital Property Prenuptial Agreements, Mediation, and Wills. Her hobbies include traveling and reading. She was the President  of the Jack and Jill Baltimore Chapter from 2017 to 2019.

David K. Gildea, the managing partner of the firm, practices in the area of real estate development, land use and zoning. His practice area includes all jurisdictions in Maryland, with a focus on the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.. Mr. Gildea has represented entities ranging from large federal agencies to NYSE traded homebuilders and REITs to local land developers and retailers in obtaining development and entitlement approvals.  The types of projects Mr. Gildea has been involved in range from large town center mixed-use development, urban redevelopment efforts, large residential developments, hotels, hospitals, medical office buildings, apartment buildings,  multi-story office buildings, grocery-anchored retail centers, retirement communities, home improvement centers, industrial warehouses, fuel service stations, storage facilities, and a vast myriad of other uses.  Mr. Gildea has been involved in many large-scale projects in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and is knowledgeable about the Growth Allocation process and obtaining approvals in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.  Mr. Gildea has also been involved in many rezonings and Planned Unit Developments (“PUDs”) throughout the State of Maryland, most notably in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.. Mr. Gildea has strong relationships with local and State governmental agencies involved in the regulatory/entitlement process.  Mr. Gildea routinely resolves issues involving the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Transportation, particularly with the State Highway Administration (“SHA”).. Mr. Gildea prides himself in working with both governmental agencies and community associations in a collaborative fashion. Mr. Gildea routinely works extensively with various stakeholders prior to commencing the development review process to resolve potential issues at the beginning of the process, rather than at the middle.  As a result, Mr. Gildea has been able to obtain numerous regulatory approvals for projects, while managing to have a small percentage of approvals appealed.  Mr. Gildea works to put projects in the ground, rather than in the courts, and always with a view towards gaining approvals in an expeditious manner.. Mr. Gildea has served on three Transition Teams. In 2002, Mr. Gildea served on Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith's Transition Team as the Chairman of the DEPRM, PDM and DPW Workgroup. In 2006, Mr. Gildea served on Governor Martin O'Malley's transition team as a member of the Environmental Workgroup. Mr. Gildea also served on Attorney General Douglas Gansler's Transition Team as the Co-Chair of the Environmental Workgroup.. Mr. Gildea received his J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore (cum laude), his B.A. degree from Washington and Lee University (cum laude) and his diploma from St. Paul's School for Boys in Baltimore, Maryland (cum laude). After passing the bar, he was the law clerk for the Honorable James T. Smith, Jr. in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.

Carley is an associate attorney at Azrael Franz. Carley earned her J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2019, with a concentration in estate planning. While at UB, Carley served on the Editorial Board of the University of Baltimore Law Forum and was inducted into the Royal Graham Shannonhouse III Honor Society during her second year of law school. Prior to working at Azrael Franz, Carley served as a legal intern for Magistrate Hope Tipton in the Baltimore City Circuit Court and practiced as a Rule 19 Student Attorney in the Mental Health Law Clinic where she represented parties facing involuntary commitment at Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital. Carley also served as a Special Needs and Estate planning Fellow while in law school.. Bar Admissions:. State of Maryland. Education:. University of Baltimore School of Law, magna cum laude, J.D. (concentration in Estate Planning). University of Baltimore, cum laude, B.S.. Personal Affiliations:. Maryland State Bar Association. Baltimore County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section and Estates and Trusts Section. Women's Bar Association. Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

Britt Stouffer is admitted to practice law before the Bar of Maryland. In addition to her law degree, Britt has earned her Masters of laws in Taxation (LL.M.). Her practice focuses on Estate Planning and Administration including the use of Trust and other entities for probate avoidance, estate and gift tax savings and planned gifting strategies. She specializes in using Estate Planning techniques to help Maryland residents properly comply with the rapidly changing Firearms laws on both state and Federal levels. She has served as a lecturer to the Baltimore County Bar Association, Estates and Trust Section and the Orphans' Court Committee. Britt began her legal career as a teaching assistant for the Estates and Trust department at the University of Baltimore, School of law. In 2013, Britt went on to found the law firm Stouffer Legal where all aspects of the business is dedicated to weath transfer and preservation.. Britt understands the importance of broaching difficult issues in a comfortable and open manner. She has comprehensive plans for tackling complicated issues, like wealth management and asset protection, so that your family won’t have to. Sometimes it is not simply about preserving your wealth and your assets, but about preserving your family bond for generations to come. She offers a strategic approach to ensure that your family is protected from uncertainty even in the most unfortunate circumstances.. Estate planning can be a tough issue for many people to face. The process is emotional and sensitive, but it is necessary in order to provide your family and loved ones with security and guidance regarding your affairs. It is also essential that you plan properly in order to assist those around you with difficult decisions regarding your care and financial situation if you ever become incapacitated. Britt understands the complexity of estate planning and that is why we craft complete custom plans for our clients in order to address all the necessary issues.

Brian J. Deaver, II is a family oriented Estate Planning attorney in Baltimore County, Maryland. Brian has a wealth of experience in Estate Planning, Probate Proceedings, and Estate Administration.. Brian is a firm believer that a well-crafted estate plan begins with an organized, targeted financial plan of attack. To accomplish this, Brian works with financial planners in the area to implement an estate plan that is tailored to each client’s individual goals. Whether these goals include protecting retirement assets, lessening an income tax burden with charitable giving, accounting for special needs or blended families, or providing loved ones with a reliable, knowledgeable resource, Brian ensures his clients are prepared for any hurdle they may face throughout life, in the event of disability, and at death.. Brian is a member of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Section; the Maryland State Bar Association’s Estates and Trusts Section; and the Baltimore County Bar Association’s Estates and Trusts Section. On weekends, Brian regularly volunteers for the Maryland Wills for Hero’s Foundation, drafting basic wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives for local first responders in the . Metro area.. Brian received his law degree and estate planning certification from the Syracuse University College of Law, where he was an active member of the College of Law’s Student Bar Association and Moot Court Honors Society. Prior to attending law school, Brian received his B.A. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, cum laude. Brian is currently attending the University of Baltimore School of Law’s night program to obtain his legal masters in taxation.. A lifelong Maryland resident, Brian was a 2009 graduate of Fallston High School in Harford County, where he served as captain for Fallston’s first ever playoff-bound varsity football team. Brian currently resides in Frederick, Maryland with his college sweetheart, Alexandra. In his spare time, Brian indulges in all aspects of Maryland living, including regular trips to Ocean City, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and a variety of different local trails, streams, and reservoirs to hike, fish, or bike.

A principal of the firm, Lawrence E. Schmidt has been a practicing attorney and a member of the Bar for 35 years. His practice primarily focuses on land use matters, including zoning, development, historic preservation and environmental issues and related litigation. He has appeared in various courts through the state, including the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. Mr. Schmidt also has significant experience in representing clients before State and local administrative agencies and tribunals.. Prior to joining Smith, Gildea & Schmidt, LLC, Mr. Schmidt served as Zoning Commissioner (Hearing Officer) of Baltimore County, Maryland. His tenure as Zoning Commissioner for over 13 years (1991-2004) represents the longest period of service of any individual ever in that position. Mr. Schmidt also served on the Baltimore County Board of Appeals for 5 years during the 1980s. All told, he has personally adjudicated over 3,000 cases involving complex land use issues.. Mr. Schmidt is a 1975 graduate of Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). He received his J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore. He has extensively lectured regarding land use issues and has authored published articles regarding historic preservation in Maryland and administrative practice. He is also a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and Baltimore County Bar Association, and previously served as a member of the MSBA's Board of Governors.. In addition to his legal endeavors, Mr. Schmidt has participated in numerous volunteer activities. He is currently a member of the Board of Education for Baltimore County, and served as its President from 2011 through 2014. Mr. Schmidt has also served as President of the Greater Towson Committee and was also an active member of the Lutherville – Timonium Recreation Council. He is also a board member of the Baltimore County Chapter of the Maryland Building Industry Association (formerly known as the Home Builders Association of Maryland), and has lent his expertise to many other advisory groups and organizations including serving as President of the Greater Towson Committee, Builders for the Bay and similar organizations.

"Helping People is what it is all about " This has been my belief since I first started in the practice of law over 40 years ago. I tell my clients that they are not paying me to agree with them- they are paying me to help them. Helping means always leveling with the client, tell them as best you can what they are facing and the pluses and minus of actions that could be taken. That's my job, and making a positive difference in people's lives is the goal.. ---. My primary field of practice is Real Estate and Business Law including transactional as well as litigation. Typical matters that I handle are drafting contracts; deeds; mortgages; investment deals and partnerships; I also do quite a bit of litigation regarding real estate disputes; landlord tenant matters; latent defects cases (cases that involve problems experianced by buyers after they purchase a home); partition cases where one owner wants to sell, the other one doesn't; and business disputes both large and small.  I speak nationally on real estate, finance, and fraud matters involving the mortgage and real estate industry.  I speak before audiences as varied as law enforcement, banking and mortgage groups, real estate investment groups, real estate brokerages, and the public.. In addition to the practice of law, I also owned and operated a development company for 37 years which was primarily involved with the purchase of residential properties and then rebuilding the properties so that they were totally new on the interior and competative with new housing. Our company expanded beyond Maryland to Texas and California.  We added real estate brokerage services; property management; and a mortgage and construction division.  I am currently a licensed Real Estate Broker in Maryland and California, and a year ago we opened our first office in China.