Business Details
30 Years
experience
Estate Planning & Trust Attorneys in Rockville, MD
Founded in 1996 by Gary Altman, Altman & Associates has established itself as a premier estate planning law firm serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. With over 30 years of experience in estate law, the firm specializes in crafting personalized legal solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. Our practice is exclusively dedicated to estate planning, ensuring clients' assets are protected and their legacies preserved through trusts, wills, and advanced planning strategies. We prioritize client relationships, offering responsive, transparent guidance tailored to evolving legal and financial landscapes.Our attorneys stay at the forefront of industry changes, attending seminars and collaborating with peers to deliver innovative solutions. A collaborative team culture fosters mutual respect and diversity of thought, enhancing client outcomes through collective expertise. Client satisfaction remains our highest priority, reflected in longstanding relationships and referrals from satisfied families and professionals nationwide.
Services
Estate Planning
Asset Protection
Wills & Trusts
Business Succession
Probate Administration
Charitable Planning
Special Needs Planning
Power of Attorney
International Estate Planning
Estate Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Exclusively focused on estate law since 1996
- Team maintains active legal education through seminars and peer networks
- Client-centric approach with personalized legal strategies
- Recognized by peers and clients for excellence in estate planning
- Serving over 25 years with a commitment to community and client education
What people say
Excellent job
Cost effective
Trusted advisor
Responsive
Top estate planners
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning attorneys help clients protect assets and ensure their wishes are honored. We create customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual needs. Clients benefit from strategies that minimize tax burdens while providing clear directives for asset distribution.
Asset Protection
We develop legal strategies to safeguard clients' assets from potential creditors and lawsuits. Through specialized trusts and business structures, we create protective barriers while maintaining compliance with debtor-creditor laws. Our plans balance legal security with financial privacy considerations.
Business Succession
We assist business owners in creating comprehensive transition plans for leadership and ownership changes. Our strategies ensure continuity through retirement, sale, or intergenerational transfer while addressing tax implications and management restructuring requirements.
Charitable Planning
Our attorneys specialize in creating charitable remainder trusts and donor-advised funds that maximize tax benefits. We help clients establish structured giving plans that align with personal values while optimizing estate tax advantages through strategic gift arrangements.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through Maryland's probate process while managing estate tax obligations. Our services include asset marshaling, creditor notification, and trust administration to ensure proper distribution according to legal requirements and document stipulations.
People
Gary Altman
Founder & Estate Planning Attorney
With over 30 years of experience, Gary Altman specializes in estate planning and trusts. Recognized by peers and clients, he focuses on creating personalized solutions while maintaining active legal education to stay current with changing regulations.
Andrew White
Senior Attorney
Andrew brings 20+ years of experience in estate taxation and trust administration. He specializes in developing customized strategies that combine tax efficiency with asset protection, focusing on clear client communication and practical solutions.
Danielle Lendino
Senior Associate
Danielle offers 8 years of corporate and transactional law experience combined with estate planning expertise. She assists clients with trust creation, business succession planning, and complex asset structuring for high-net-worth individuals.
Katherine Ruesch
Senior Associate
Katherine provides 9 years of specialized probate litigation and administration experience. Her practice focuses on estate tax compliance, trust modifications, and guardianship proceedings while maintaining a client-centered approach.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Basic plans include wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Trusts may be recommended for complex estates, tax planning, or special needs considerations based on individual circumstances.
How does asset protection work?
We use legal structures like limited liability companies and irrevocable trusts to shield assets from potential creditors while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Can I update my existing estate plan?
Yes, we recommend reviewing and updating plans every 3-5 years or after major life events to ensure documents reflect current wishes and legal requirements.
Do I need a lawyer for probate?
While not legally required, our attorneys simplify the complex probate process, handling tax filings, asset distribution, and court requirements to ensure proper administration.
How are legal fees structured?
We offer transparent pricing with options including flat fees for standard documents or hourly rates for complex matters, with detailed cost estimates provided upfront.
