The Easter Bunny’s Guide to Estate Planning in Maryland
Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming, chocolate bunnies are mysteriously disappearing, and families everywhere are preparing for Easter egg hunts.
But here’s a question the Easter Bunny rarely asks: what happens to your “nest egg” if something happens to you? That’s where estate planning comes in. Think of it as organizing your eggs before someone else has to hunt for them later.
🐣 Q&A: Estate Planning, Easter Style
Q: What exactly is “estate planning”? Is it just for rich rabbits?
Not at all! Estate planning is simply planning what happens to your assets, responsibilities, and decisions if you pass away or become unable to manage things yourself.
Your “estate” includes things like:
Your home
Bank accounts
Personal belongings
Investments
Digital assets
Even guardianship decisions for children
Without a proper plan, Maryland law decides who gets what—and that may not match your wishes. If someone dies without a will, Maryland’s intestate succession laws determine how assets are distributed to heirs. (See Md. Code, Estates & Trusts Title 3)
In other words: the State becomes the Easter Bunny distributing your eggs.
Q: What is the most basic estate planning document?
That would be the Last Will and Testament.
A will allows you to:
Decide who receives your property
Name a personal representative (executor)
Appoint guardians for minor children
Control how your assets are distributed
Under Maryland law, a valid will must:
Be in writing
Be signed by the testator (the person making the will)
Be signed by at least two credible witnesses in the testator’s presence
See Md. Code, Estates & Trusts § 4-101 et seq.
So…if you were hoping a chocolate wrapper note saying “Give everything to Aunt Susan” counts… Sadly, it doesn’t.
Q: What happens if I don’t make a Will?
Imagine an Easter egg hunt where no one knows the rules.
Without a will:
The court appoints a personal representative
Maryland law determines who inherits your assets
Your loved ones may face delays, expenses, and confusion
Probate will still happen, but the court decides who manages the estate and who receives property under Maryland’s intestacy statutes.
Translation: you lose control over your own egg distribution plan.
Q: Are Wills the only estate planning tool?
Nope. Think of a will as one basket in a bigger Easter basket.
Other important tools include:
🐰 Trusts
A Trust allows property to be managed by a trustee for beneficiaries.
Maryland law provides that a Trust can be created through:
Transferring property to a trustee during life
Declaring yourself trustee of property
Creating a Trust through a will
See Md. Code, Estates & Trusts § 14.5-401.
Trusts can help:
Avoid probate for certain assets
Manage assets for children
Protect beneficiaries
🥕 Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) allows someone you trust to make financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
Under Maryland law, a durable power of attorney remains effective even if the principal later becomes incapacitated. See Md. Code, Estates & Trusts § 17-105.
Without one, your family may need to seek court-appointed guardianship, which can be expensive and stressful.
Q: I’m young and healthy. Why should I care about estate planning now?
Great question. Estate planning isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about making life easier for the people you love.
It can help you:
Protect minor children
Avoid family disputes
Reduce probate complications
Plan for incapacity
Ensure your wishes are respected
Also, let’s be honest: life is unpredictable. Even the Easter Bunny occasionally misplaces the eggs.
Q: What should a Maryland estate plan usually include?
A solid estate plan often includes:
✔ Last Will and Testament
✔ Financial Power of Attorney
✔ Health care planning documents
✔ Possibly a Trust
✔ Beneficiary designations on accounts
Every situation is different—families, assets, and goals vary.
That’s why estate planning is best done with legal guidance tailored to your circumstances.
🐰 Final Thought: Don’t Leave Your Nest Egg to Chance
Estate planning isn’t just about money, it’s about protecting your family, your wishes, and your legacy. Without a plan, Maryland law decides how your estate is handled. With a plan, you stay in control.
So, this Easter, while you’re hiding eggs and enjoying chocolate bunnies, consider one more important step:
🥚 Make sure your nest egg is protected.
At Atkinson Law, we help individuals and families create thoughtful estate plans that protect what matters most. Contact us today by calling (410) 882-9595 or visiting our website to schedule a consultation and start building your plan.