BLOGS

For many Maryland families, pets are much more than animals—they are beloved members of the family. Whether you have a loyal dog, an independent cat, colorful birds, horses, or other cherished companions, one important question often gets overlooked during estate planning:

One of the most common questions we hear at Atkinson Law is: "Can I leave someone out of my Will?" The short answer is yes – but not always. Maryland law gives you a great deal of freedom to decide who will receive your property after your death. However, certain family members have legal rights that may limit your ability to completely disinherit them.

If you've been stopped and arrested for driving under the influence in Towson, Bel Air, or anywhere else in Baltimore County or Harford County, the first thing I tell every client is this: an arrest is not a conviction.

If you work for the federal government, the military, a defense contractor, law enforcement agency, or another position requiring a security clearance, a domestic violence protective order can affect much more than your personal life. It can raise questions about your employment, your clearance eligibility, and your professional future.

If you've been pulled over for speeding in Baltimore County recently, you may have discovered that the stakes have changed — dramatically.

Congratulations!!  You were named the Personal Representative of an estate.   It means a loved one trusted you to handle their affairs after they pass away.  However, for many Maryland Personal Representatives, that responsibility can quickly become overwhelming.

One of the most common questions families ask after losing a loved one is: "Does everything have to go through probate?"  The answer is no.

Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. In the midst of grief, families are often faced with a long list of responsibilities, including managing the deceased person's estate. For many Maryland families, this means navigating the probate process, a legal procedure that can feel overwhelming during an already emotional time.

Every Memorial Day weekend, families across Maryland gather for cookouts, parades, waterfront events, and time with friends.

If police find drugs in a vehicle during a traffic stop, passengers are often shocked to learn they can still be charged with possession — even when the drugs were not in their pocket, bag, or personal belongings.