Tools & Resources
Transfer on Death Deeds Effective in VA, DC and MD (as of 10/1/2026)
Maryland has joined Virginia and the District of Columbia in allowing homeowners to name a transfer on death beneficiary for their real property. Starting October 1, 2026, Maryland homeowners will be able to record a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) under the new...
Estate Planning & Probate Podcast
Please tune in to the "What You Need to Know About Estate Planning and Probate" Podcast with Olesya Sidorkina: Creating Wealth Podcast | TABER Asset We will cover questions such as: What inspired you to become an attorney who specializes in estate planning? Can you...
Revocable Living Trusts Explained
A revocable living trust is an agreement between the grantor (the person creating the trust) and the trustee to manage the trust property for the benefit of the beneficiary (usually the same person - the grantor). When the grantor transfers property to the trust, the...
What are the Advantages of a Revocable Living Trust?
1) Flexibility - The revocable living trust can provide a flexible mechanism for managing assets should a person become incompetent or has diminished capabilities. 2) Avoid probate - probate is a judicial process where a will is reviewed (typically) by a judge to...
What are the Disadvantages of a Revocable Living Trust?
1) No court oversight - If there are concerns over intrafamily suspicions and feuds, or if there may be discomfort of a family member acting as a successor trustee to wind up the affairs of a deceased family member, then judicial oversight may not be a bad idea. No...
Common Definitions You’ll Hear in Estate Planning
Beneficiary = Person (or organization) who receives benefits as described in a Will. Bequests = Gifts of money or items of property made in a Will. Cash = All bank and financial accounts which reflect cash investments only. Includes checking and savings accounts, bank...
Essential Legal Planning Engages with UCDC Students on Immigration Policy
Essential Legal Planning is committed to fostering informed discussions on pressing immigration issues. Recently, our lawyers, Olesya Sidorkina (Partner) and Martin Uribe (Of Counsel), had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion for students in the...
Choosing Business Entities
Now that you’ve decided to launch your own business, have you decided on the business entity? If not, below please find a simple “pros” and “cons” list to assist you. Sole Proprietorship This is the simplest business entity because you are not required to file any...
Prenuptial Agreements Explained
Prenuptial agreements, commonly referred to as “prenups,” are contracts signed by individuals who intend to get married. These agreements outline how property and assets will be divided in the event of a divorce, separation or death of one spouse. While prenuptial...
“Sunset Clauses” in Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements
In the previous article, Prenuptial Agreements Explained, I discussed the importance of having a prenuptial agreement (aka “prenup”) for certain couples. Despite its importance, not every couple gets a prenup because they feel that it is unromantic, or they simply...
Noncompete Agreements
Do you have a Noncompete Agreement with your current employer and do not know how to get out of it? A Noncompete Agreement is meant to protect an employer from having an employee “steal” its clients or its proprietary business knowledge when the employee leaves. A...
Caregiver Agreements – a Useful Medicaid Planning Strategy
A caregiver agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of an arrangement between an individual and their caregiver. In the context of Medicaid and long-term care planning, a caregiver agreement can be used as an asset protection strategy to...
Why estate planning is important
No one likes to think about their own death, but preparing end-of-life documents, such as a last will and testament, can give you great peace of mind now, knowing your wishes will be followed when you're gone. Still, getting together a last will can seem like a...
Non-Fungible Tokens and Possible Copyright and Trademark Violations
As popular as NFTs are, the legal community appears to be struggling to come to a consensus on how to deal with most NFT and trademark or copyright violations. Famous brands claim that NFT creators are stealing their rights to monetize on their brands on the metaverse...
Understanding Trump’s Immigration Orders and Laken Riley Act
President Donald Trump begins his second term, he has moved swiftly to enacted several executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policy. Concurrently, the Laken Riley Act has been passed by Congress, introducing significant changes to immigration...
Essential Legal Planning Engages with UCDC Students on Immigration Policy
Essential Legal Planning is committed to fostering informed discussions on pressing immigration issues. Recently, our lawyers, Olesya Sidorkina (Partner) and Martin Uribe (Of Counsel), had the opportunity to participate in a...
Anticipating Immigration Policy Changes under a New Trump Administration: Key Actions and Strategies for Individuals
With the prospect of a new Trump administration, many immigrants and their families are anxious about potential policy changes that could impact their legal status, work permits, and pathways to citizenship. Based on Trump’s past immigration policies and recent...
National Interest Waiver (NIW) EB-2: A Pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency for Professionals of National Importance
The National Interest Waiver (NIW) EB-2 category is a highly advantageous immigration pathway for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. Unlike traditional employment-based green card categories, the NIW does not require employer sponsorship or...
Biden’s New Actions to Keep Families Together
At Essential Legal Planning (“ELP”), we understand the complexities and challenges of immigration laws and policies. We are committed to staying updated with the latest changes to provide our clients with the best possible guidance and support. Recently, President...