Stouffer Legal

Baby Boomer business owners are facing the largest generational handoff in history. Yet, studies show most have no exit plan. Whether you’re planning to sell, transfer to family, or pass your business to employees, your strategy will determine how much wealth you preserve and how much tax you pay. Our latest blog breaks down the key steps to protect your assets and exit on your terms. https://lnkd.in/ez5HAUZh

Big thank you to everyone who came out to learn about the One Big Beautiful Bill and how it could impact your retirement! The response was overwhelming with both nights fully booked within just 5 hours! We know this is important information and will be setting up an additional in person date for our panelists where we will broadcast it live exclusively for our clients.

The $275 million estate of Jimmy Buffett has turned into a cautionary tale for families everywhere. Poor communication, vague trust terms, and co-trustee conflict have led to public litigation and private frustration. Even without a Margaritaville empire, Maryland families can learn important lessons about transparency, trust structure, and planning for business assets. https://lnkd.in/esaJrXmc

Bruce Wayne’s origin story isn’t just about becoming Batman, it’s a case study in estate planning. From Alfred’s guardianship to corporate control of Wayne Enterprises, Batman Begins touches on several key legal concepts; some realistic, others not so much. Our latest article breaks down what the movie gets right (and wrong) when it comes to trusts, inheritance, and business succession. https://lnkd.in/eb3-yX6V

The attempt to fraudulently foreclose on Graceland following Lisa Marie Presley’s death shows just how real estate scams can strike—even the most iconic properties. Fraudsters often exploit the chaos after a loss. Clear estate plans, trust structures, title monitoring, and secure documentation can all reduce your family’s risk. At Stouffer Legal, we help clients plan proactively to protect their homes and legacies — because no estate is too small to be targeted. https://lnkd.in/ejryXwCh

Recent changes to California’s estate and trust laws—including simplified probate for homes, quicker trust termination, and the adoption of the Uniform Directed Trust Act—aim to modernize estate administration. Given Maryland’s history of adopting similar reforms, these updates may influence how estate planning evolves here. At Stouffer Legal, we’re tracking these developments to ensure Maryland families stay prepared and aligned with emerging best practices. Explore what these changes could mean for you: https://lnkd.in/e6SZXbwZ

Maryland’s dual estate and inheritance taxes make it unique—but Governor Moore’s recent proposal could simplify the landscape. Under his plan, Maryland would eliminate the 10% inheritance tax while lowering the estate tax exemption to $2 million. This change could ease the tax burden for many beneficiaries but also expose more estates to taxation. At Stouffer Legal, we’re closely monitoring these developments to ensure our clients’ estate plans remain optimized and compliant. If your assets could be affected by the new threshold, now is the time to reassess your strategy. Learn more:

The legal battles over Wendy Williams’ conservatorship serve as a powerful lesson: Without the right legal protections, you could lose control over your finances and healthcare. A well-structured estate plan can prevent this by ensuring trusted individuals are designated to handle financial and medical decisions if the unexpected happens. Powers of attorney allow you to appoint someone to manage your affairs, while advance medical directives ensure your healthcare choices are respected. Establishing a trust can also provide financial oversight without the need for court intervention. https://lnkd.in/e3mAmrGa

The estate dispute over Frank Fritz of American Pickers is a public reminder of what happens when estate planning isn’t clear. Allegations of fraud, legal challenges, and family conflict have delayed the administration of his estate and put his legacy under scrutiny. Key lessons: ✅ Use proper documentation—Number, initial, and securely store your will. ✅ Communicate your wishes—Discuss estate plans with loved ones to prevent disputes. ✅ Consider trusts—Unlike wills, trusts remain private and help avoid probate conflicts. At Stouffer Legal, we guide families through creating sound estate plans that protect assets, ensure clarity, and prevent legal battles.

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of dementia, but planning ahead ensures your affairs are managed according to your wishes if cognitive decline occurs. Estate planning tools like powers of attorney and healthcare proxies provide security for both you and your loved ones. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ex7SpaSA