Business Details
40 Years
experience
Estate Planning Attorney in Washington, D.C. & Maryland
Lanchester Law Firm has dedicated over 30 years to providing comprehensive estate planning services, guiding families in Maryland and Washington, D.C. through the complexities of wills, trusts, and advance directives. Our practice, led by attorney Michelle Lanchester, combines deep legal expertise with personalized care to ensure clients' wishes are honored and their loved ones protected. With a focus on clarity and compassion, we help clients navigate estate planning laws to create tailored solutions that reflect their unique needs.Our commitment to excellence is rooted in decades of experience, including specialized training with AARP and extensive courtroom knowledge. We prioritize transparency, client education, and proactive planning to minimize future legal challenges. Our firm's reputation for reliability and ethical practice has been built through consistent, client-centered service across generations. By addressing both immediate concerns and long-term security, we empower clients to claim control over their legacies with confidence.
Services
Wills
Trusts
Estate Planning
Advanced Directives
Power of Attorney
Final Wishes
Elder Law
Living Wills
Probate Guidance
Asset Protection
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in estate planning law
- Our attorney is admitted to practice in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
- We provide personalized legal solutions tailored to each client's needs
- Our team offers free initial consultations for estate planning matters
- We combine courtroom experience with compassionate client service
Services
Wills
Our wills service ensures your property distribution wishes are legally documented. We guide clients through creating, revising, or contesting wills while explaining probate processes and potential challenges. With proper will preparation, we help prevent family disputes and ensure your final wishes are honored according to Maryland and Washington, D.C. laws.
Trusts
We establish various trust types including revocable, irrevocable, and special needs trusts. Our trust services help clients manage asset distribution during life and after death while avoiding probate. We explain trust benefits for tax planning, asset protection, and providing for beneficiaries with special requirements.
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning covers wills, trusts, and advance directives to protect your assets and family. We help clients minimize tax liabilities, establish guardianship for minors, and create plans that reflect their values. The process includes reviewing existing documents and ensuring legal compliance across jurisdictions.
Advanced Directives
We help clients document medical wishes through living wills and healthcare powers of attorney. Our services ensure your healthcare preferences are honored during incapacity while complying with state-specific regulations. We explain HIPAA authorizations and decision-making authority frameworks.
Power of Attorney
We establish financial powers of attorney to designate trusted representatives for business matters. Our service explains durable power of attorney benefits, helps prevent court-appointed guardianship, and ensures clients maintain control over financial decisions during incapacity.
People
Michelle Lanchester
Estate Planning Attorney
With over 30 years of legal experience, Michelle Lanchester specializes in estate planning for Maryland and Washington, D.C. residents. She graduated from Howard University School of Law in 1985 and has practiced law in both jurisdictions since 1986. Her expertise includes wills, trusts, and advance directives.
Questions
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will distributes property after death, while trusts manage assets during life and after death. Wills require probate, but trusts avoid this process and maintain privacy.
Why do I need an estate planning attorney?
Estate planning laws are complex. An experienced attorney ensures your documents comply with current regulations and properly reflect your wishes to avoid future legal challenges.
How does estate planning affect my family?
Proper planning ensures your property goes to intended beneficiaries, establishes guardianship for minors, and provides clear instructions for healthcare and financial decisions during incapacity.
What happens if I die without a will?
State intestacy laws will determine property distribution, which may not align with your wishes. The court decides guardianship and asset division without your input.
Can I update my existing estate plan?
Yes, we help clients revise wills, update trusts, and modify advance directives to reflect changing circumstances or legal requirements.
How do I start the estate planning process?
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs. We'll guide you through document creation, explain legal options, and ensure your plan meets jurisdictional requirements.
