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Trusted Maryland Estate Planning Lawyers
Chesapeake Wills & Trusts is a client-focused legal practice specializing in estate planning, probate, and Medicaid crisis management. With over two decades of experience serving Anne Arundel County and surrounding Maryland communities, our team prioritizes personalized service and long-term client relationships. We combine deep local knowledge with specialized expertise in elder law, asset protection, and trust administration to create tailored solutions for families.Our attorneys, including Super Lawyers-recognized Greg Jimeno, emphasize transparency and education through initiatives like the Chesapeake Care Plan, which ensures ongoing plan maintenance and family coordination. We distinguish ourselves through proactive legal strategies that prevent government default plans from dictating asset distribution, while maintaining a commitment to ethical practice and community service.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Medicaid Crisis Planning
Trust Administration
Asset Protection
Living Wills
Power of Attorney
Guardianship
Wills
Elder Law
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years serving Anne Arundel County families with local expertise
- Client-focused approach with personalized estate planning solutions
- Chesapeake Care Plan ensures ongoing plan maintenance and updates
- Specialized Medicaid crisis planning to protect nursing home assets
- Proactive probate avoidance strategies using trust-based solutions
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
What people say
Exceptional professionalism
Thorough explanations
Peace of mind achieved
Highly recommend
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans that protect assets and ensure your wishes are honored. Our attorneys help clients navigate wills, trusts, and advanced directives while considering tax implications and family dynamics. With the Chesapeake Care Plan, we provide ongoing maintenance to keep plans current with life changes and legal updates. Our approach combines legal expertise with compassionate guidance to minimize family conflict and government intervention.
Medicaid Crisis Planning
Our specialized Medicaid planning protects assets when facing nursing home care costs. We implement legal strategies like irrevocable trusts to qualify for benefits while preserving wealth. The team navigates Maryland's complex Medicaid regulations to create solutions that balance immediate care needs with long-term family financial security, even when planning occurs after facility admission.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through Maryland's probate process with clear steps for asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution. Our goal minimizes delays and costs while maintaining family harmony. For contested matters, we provide courtroom representation. The Chesapeake Care Plan includes post-death administration at reduced fees to ensure smooth transitions during difficult times.
Trust Administration
Our trust services focus on asset protection and probate avoidance. We establish revocable and irrevocable trusts tailored to individual needs, including specialized versions for blended families and special needs beneficiaries. The Chesapeake Care Plan provides document updates and family education to ensure trusts function effectively when needed most.
Asset Protection
We design legal structures to shield assets from creditors and long-term care costs. Strategies include irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and Medicaid-compliant annuities. Our approach balances protection needs with maintaining client control over assets. We emphasize early planning but also implement crisis solutions when immediate nursing home care becomes necessary.
People
Greg Jimeno
Partner
Super Lawyers-recognized estate planning attorney with 20+ years Maryland experience. Author of 'How To Protect Your Home And Life Savings In Maryland.' Former Anne Arundel Bar Association President. Specializes in complex estate planning and Medicaid crisis solutions.
Frank Gray
Partner
Experienced estate planning attorney focusing on trust administration and probate avoidance. Provides practical solutions for asset protection and long-term care planning. Active in Maryland legal community with emphasis on client education.
Magaly Delisse Bittner
Partner
Elder law specialist with focus on Medicaid planning and guardianship. Advocates for client autonomy while implementing protective legal structures. Experienced in special needs trust creation and administration.
Jessica H. McConnell
Associate
Estate planning attorney assisting with wills, trusts, and advance directives. Focuses on client communication and document preparation. Provides personalized guidance during plan implementation meetings.
Robyn Youssef
Intake Specialist
Coordinates initial client consultations and case management. Ensures smooth client onboarding process and maintains communication throughout planning journey.
Questions
Is a will or trust better for Maryland estate planning?
Trusts often provide better asset protection and probate avoidance, but wills suit simpler estates. Our attorneys evaluate your specific situation to recommend the optimal solution.
Can I protect assets after nursing home admission?
Yes, our Medicaid crisis planning implements legal strategies to protect assets even after facility admission while ensuring compliance with look-back period requirements.
What's included in the Chesapeake Care Plan?
The plan includes document updates every two years, family care meetings, DocuBank access, and post-death administration at reduced fees to maintain plan effectiveness.
How does adult guardianship work in Maryland?
We file petitions with medical proof, but Maryland's adversarial process requires court determination. Our team guides families through this complex legal procedure.
What's the difference between estate planning and elder law?
Estate planning focuses on asset distribution, while elder law addresses aging-related issues like Medicaid planning, long-term care, and guardianship.
How do I start the estate planning process?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your assets and wishes. We'll recommend appropriate tools like wills, trusts, or powers of attorney tailored to your needs.
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