Practical Guidance for Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Special Needs Planning at a Time of World and National Health Crisis - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 31, 2020 · 17 min read

By: Stephen R. Elville, Principal and Lead Attorney of Elville and Associates, P.C.

March 31, 2020 - At present there are few things more important than containing and stopping the spread of COVID-19, taking care of those who are infected, supporting doctors, nurses, other medical personnel, and hospitals, providing vital masks, ventilators, protective and other equipment that is urgently needed, and sympathizing and supporting those who have lost loved ones (in Maryland, in the U.S., and around the world). Elville and Associates urges Marylanders and any persons reading this article to adhere to CDC, national, state, and local pronouncements and policies concerning safety, social distancing, and sheltering in place as absolutely essential to saving lives and minimizing suffering. To say the least, this is a time for unity, community, action, and contemplation.

For those persons who are concerned about what they and other family members need to do right now in terms of estate planning, elder care and special needs planning, and incapacity planning in the face of the increasing pandemic, the following are practical steps that may be taken by any person of reasonable intelligence, ability, and access to telephone or electronic media and communications. For clarity, I have outlined these as six-step processes.

Powers of Attorney, Advance Medical Directive, and MOLST - arguably the most important planning action any Marylander can take right now is to check on the status and location of their current incapacity planning documents - financial power(s) of attorney and advance medical directive. Furthermore, a working knowledge of the MOLST (Medical Order For Life Sustaining Treatment) is essential, especially for those over sixty (60) years of age. I will cover the fundamentals of each of these documents briefly here.

Financial Power of Attorney - this essential incapacity planning document provides for the management of your financial affairs should you become incapacitated (when you no longer have the ability to manage your own financial matters). Some estate planning and elder law attorneys consider the financial power of attorney to be the most powerful and most important of all estate planning documents. I do not disagree. There is a reason for this - having at least a basic power of attorney means that you are very likely to avoid adult guardianship of your estate or property should you become incapacitated, because by being proactive with the implementation of a properly constructed financial power of attorney you are choosing the private management of your affairs without the necessity of guardianship and the involvement of your local Circuit Court. Moving away from the issue of avoidance of guardianship and self-determination, a well-crafted financial power of attorney also addresses your personal preferences concerning the question of how much flexibility (how much power) you want your agent to have. Should your agent’s authority be limited to only basic fiduciary powers – for example those routine powers such as the management of bank accounts and retirement accounts, the power to buy and sell property, and so forth? Or, should your agent’s authority include broader fiduciary powers, such as the power to create and fund trusts, receive compensation, make gifts of your assets, spend down for Medicaid eligibility, and other more aggressive powers? This issue comes down to one main question: how much flexibility do I want my agent to have during a time of my incapacity? The answer to this question is very personal and will vary for each individual. From an estate planning, and in particular, from an elder law planning perspective, the more flexibility you provide for your agent (your attorney-in-fact under a financial power of attorney), the more options your agent will have to pursue and fulfill your goals should you be incapacitated. Since all planning is goal-driven, it follows that the powers you provide for your agent in a well-crafted and well-considered financial power of attorney should reflect those goals, whether they be for the minimization of taxes, asset preservation, charitable intentions, or the protection of loved ones. Yes, my third and last point about financial powers of attorney in this article relates to this last reference. Most people do not consider that a financial power of attorney is not only for their own protection in the event of incapacity, but is also for the protection of anyone who may be dependent on them. So a comprehensive power of attorney or set of powers of attorney will typically incorporate provisions that provide for the protection and support of not only you, but anyone who may be dependent upon you. This realization is an epiphany for most people. Thus, a financial power of attorney that includes well-chosen agents - those trusted persons (fiduciaries) who will manage your affairs if you are no longer able to - is a substitute for guardianship, provides for great flexibility or limited flexibility for your agent in accordance with your goals, and can provide not only for your support but for the protection and support of any person who may be dependent on you. So during this time of international health crisis a financial power of attorney represents one of the most powerful legal tools you can employ. Based on what we know right now, the COVID-19 illness is much more likely to render a person disabled, at least temporarily, than to cause death. For this reason, every Marylander should take the following action steps regarding financial power(s) of attorney:

(1) Locate your current financial power(s) of attorney document;

(2) Review your financial power of attorney document carefully and determine when it was signed and whether it is a Maryland Statutory Power of Attorney (if so, you will see those words at the top of the first page);

(3) If your Power of Attorney was signed before October 1, 2010, consider executing a new financial power of attorney (or set of financial powers of attorney) as soon as possible, as financial powers of attorney executed before the effective date of the Maryland Power of Attorney Act (October 1, 2010) are not enforceable by law (but not necessarily invalid);

(4) If you executed a new financial power of attorney after October 1, 2010 but have not updated your financial power(s) of attorney since that time, consider executing new financial power(s) of attorney to ensure that your document(s) contains all the updates to the Statutory Power of Attorney Form since that time;

(5) Whether you previously executed a single financial power of attorney or a set of two (2) financial powers of attorney (one Statutory and the other a non-statutory form), you should review the powers contained in the document(s) and determine whether those powers are sufficiently broad to accomplish your goals (this may require the advice of an attorney); whether your agents and their contact information are correct; whether certain agents are no longer desirable choices or are not available to serve as your agents; and whether new agents should be appointed.

(6) If you do not have a financial power of attorney, as a practical matter it is essential that you execute one as soon as possible. This is true whether or not you utilize the services of an attorney. You may obtain a financial power of attorney, including a Maryland Statutory Power of Attorney, online or through an attorney. What’s important right now is that you have a financial power of attorney; that it is executed properly and is valid in the State of Maryland (if you are a Maryland resident); that it reflects the agents of your choice, along with their accurate contact information; and that you have considered when your agent’s power is effective, along with the powers you wish to provide the agent (degree of flexibility).

Bottom line - a financial power of attorney is an essential estate planning document at all times, but especially now during this world and national health crisis. Your financial power of attorney must be witnessed by two independent witnesses and must be notarized. One of the witnesses can also serve as a notary. For further guidance about the requirements of document execution and the practical problems presented by the need for social distancing, please refer to further information on our website at www.elvilleassociates.com.

Advance Medical Directive - this essential health care document allows you to choose and appoint your health care agents; provide specific instructions and customizations in nearly unlimited fashion; set forth your goals, values, and preferences; determine when the power of your agent(s) becomes effective; make end-of-life decisions or preferences in advance; choose pain relief to alleviate potential suffering; decide whether your agent has the flexibility to change your decisions, or whether your decisions should not be changed even if there is some “better” choice (in the opinion of your agent); make organ donation and bodily donation choices; and make final arrangement decisions, including funeral and burial, cremation, or other arrangements or instructions. Similar to what I’ve described about financial power of attorney documents in this article, an advance medical directive that includes well-chosen agents - those trusted persons (fiduciaries) who will manage your health care affairs if you are no longer able to - is a substitute for guardianship of your person, and during this time of the world and national health crisis is one of the most powerful legal and healthcare tools you can employ. For some people, the advance medical directive is the most important estate/elder law document.

Because of the fairly recent introduction of the MOLST Form (2013-2014) discussed below, there is much speculation that the advance medical directive is no longer important. To this I say “don’t believe it.” The advance medical directive is still very important because (a) it facilitates the appointment of your chosen agents and as mentioned above represents a substitute for guardianship of your person; and (b) it is a written representation of your expressed wishes concerning your health care – and as such it is part of your right of self-expression and self-determination. What could be more important? For these reasons, and especially in light of the COVID-19 threat, every Marylander should take the following action steps regarding their advance medical directive:

(1) Locate your current advance medical directive documents;

(2) Review your advance medical directive carefully and determine when it was signed;

(3) If your advance medical directive does not contain the more recent additions by the Attorney General pertaining to flexibility and the ability of an agent to change your decisions (have flexibility concerning your stated preferences), consider executing a new advance medical directive as soon as possible (assuming flexibility for your agent is desirable);

(4) Review the number of original, executed advance medical directives you may have. If you only have one original copy, consider making photocopies as these are readily accepted by hospitals and medical facilities;

(5) Review your choices and the provisions as set forth in your current advance medical directive and determine the following: do these choices and provisions represent my current choices or preferences, and my overall goals (this may or may not require the advice of an attorney)?; are my agents and the order of my agents correct, and is the contact information for each agent updated and correct?; are any of agents no longer desirable choices and should they be replaced?; are my agents still available to serve as my agent and can I depend on them at a time of crisis?; and are there any practical or other limitations that would prevent my chosen agent(s) from serving as such?

(6) If you do not have an advance medical directive, then as a practical matter it is essential that you execute one as soon as possible. This is true whether or not you utilize the services of an attorney. You may obtain a Maryland advance medical directive online, from the office of the Maryland Attorney General, from a health care facility, or through an attorney. What’s important right now is that you have an advance medical directive; that it is executed properly and is valid in the State of Maryland (if you are a Maryland resident); that it reflects the agents of your choice, along with their accurate contact information; that you have considered when your agent’s power is effective; and that you authorize the ability of your agent to change your stated preferences (flexibility) or not authorize such ability to deviate from your decisions.

Bottom line - an advance medical directive is an essential estate planning and health

care document at all times, but especially now during this world and national health crisis. Your advance medical directive must be witnessed by two witnesses in accordance with Maryland law. No notarization is required. As I wrote in a recent blog, at this time of health care crisis, perhaps the most important and practical thing any person can do is to ensure that they have an advance medical directive and an understanding of MOLST (some states call this POLST). An advance medical directive may be easily implemented in writing, orally, or in electronic form, and there is no requirement that it be notarized. Access to information is easy and straightforward - for a comprehensive overview of Maryland Advance Medical Directives, alternative forms, health care decision making policy in Maryland, and MOLST, please follow these links:

https://mhcc.maryland.gov/mhcc/pages/hit/hit_advancedirectives/hit_advancedirectives.aspx

https://mhcc.maryland.gov/consumerinfo/longtermcare/AdvanceDirectiveInformation.aspx

https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/HealthPolicy/AdvanceDirectives.aspx

Medical Order For Life Sustaining Treatment – MOLST - attorneys are generally not physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, or nurses, have little or no background in the medical field, and are not qualified to render medical advice. So the following information is based on opinion and observation from the legal side – that aspect of estate, elder, and special needs planning that involves helping and counseling clients through the decision making process for health care decision making. To begin this brief discussion, we’ll note a few basics: the MOLST form is required in Maryland under certain circumstances – Maryland is one of only a handful of states that requires MOLST; the vast majority of Maryland residents are still not aware of MOLST, what it is, and what its purpose and function is, including persons who have been appointed as health care agents and are advocating for their principal; MOLST is ambiguous and its relation to the advance medical directive is confusing at best; how and when MOLST is implemented, and by whom, is mysterious to the individuals, health care agents, and the public; education for the public about MOLST is relatively limited and ineffectual; and the mechanism by which an individual may provide advance input or preferences – mainly, the Health Care Decisions Worksheet (or MOLST Worksheet) is virtually unknown to the public, including senior health care officials. All this to say that because MOLST is required in Maryland, it must be considered as part of planning for health care decision making in Maryland. Therefore, from a legal perspective, every person who executes an advance medical directive and all their appointed health care agents should have (arguably must have) at least a working knowledge of what MOLST is, its purpose and function, the circumstances under which it is implemented, how it may be changed, and more. All persons, especially those over 60, should review MOLST and the Worksheet with their doctor and get advice about the function of MOLST and whether it is advisable to complete a Worksheet in advance, and how the Worksheet may become part of your medical record.

Wills and Trusts – beyond the important incapacity planning documents, it goes without saying that in general everyone should have a will (a Last Will and Testament) or a will substitute (a Revocable Living Trust), especially at this time of crisis. Whether you use a will or a revocable living trust is not necessarily important, so long as you have provided for what happens upon your death for the disposition of your tangible personal property, any specific gifts or special provisions you may have, how the balance or bulk of your estate will be distributed (the residuary portion), and something that is perhaps of increasing importance given the health crisis, what happens to your property if there is a failure of distribution (your named beneficiaries are no longer living). Yet with this said, an estimated 55% of people in the U.S. have no will or estate plan, with this percentage climbing as high as 62% for divorced persons, and as high as 80% for persons under the age of 44. It’s important to remember that signing a will is easy, and there are many resources available today – via online methods and through traditional attorney representation. What’s important to remember is that while estate planning has many definitions, it may boil down to something as simple as this: estate planning is about disposing of your property to the persons or organizations of your choice, at the lowest possible cost. It can be that simple. Of course many times there are other considerations that add complexity, such as the additional incapacity planning provided by revocable trusts, special considerations for tangible personal property, how assets are passed along between spouses, marital protection, asset protection, tax considerations, and much more. But sometimes, especially during a crisis, whether that be a personal health issue, aging, a special family circumstance, or the current health care crisis, what’s important is to implement a will or revocable living trust as soon as possible without delay. I sometimes refer to this as “stop-gap” planning. For these reasons, every Marylander should take the following action steps regarding Wills and/or Revocable Living Trusts:

(1) Locate your original current will or revocable living trust. If you cannot locate your will, call the Register of Wills for your county to see if the will was registered, or contact the attorney who drafted the will;

(2) Review your will or revocable living trust carefully and determine when it was signed and that it is witnessed. Many people have copies of older wills or revocable trusts that are unsigned;

(3) Review the will or revocable living trust further to determine whether it properly reflects your current wishes concerning how you wish to dispose of your property, including tangible personal property, real estate, and other non-retirement assets. Also consider your retirement plan assets (IRAs and Qualified Plans) and check your beneficiary designations – are these correct and do they flow properly in accordance with your overall goals and planning? Along these lines, check on the same for life insurance and non-qualified annuities. Along these lines, review all assets and asset alignment, including the organization if digital assets;

(4) Review your selection of fiduciaries – your personal representatives and guardians under your will, and your trustees, independent trustees; investment and/or distribution advisors; and your trust protector(s). Are these persons still available and appropriate to serve as your fiduciary? Do you need to make any changes in selection or in the order they are to serve? Consider whether you have provided for the flexibility or lack thereof that you desire;

(5) Determine whether changes are needed to your estate planning documents (including any memorandums of intent or letter of wishes), whether they be clear and obvious changes you wish to make, or those legal-technical changes resulting from the advice of your attorney (after review and recommendation by your attorney); and

(6) If you do not have a will or revocable living trust, it may be a practical necessity that you execute one as soon as possible. As mentioned in this article, this is important whether or not you utilize the services of an attorney. You may obtain a will or revocable living trust via a reliable online/electronic method, or through an attorney.

Bottom line - a will or revocable living trust are always essential estate planning documents, but especially now during this world and national health crisis. For further guidance about the requirements of document execution and the practical problems presented by the need for social distancing, please refer to further information on our website at www.elvilleassociates.com.

Special needs trusts and/or other trusts may also need implementation or adjustment. The same due diligence guidelines outlined above generally apply.

Although six-step processes like the ones outlined in this article are recommended for thoroughness, they can be time-consuming. That’s why Elville and Associates pioneered the concept of Self-Directed estate planning through its Elville Self-Direct programs. Through Elville Self-Direct, clients can expedite the implementation their wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and other planning documents without sacrificing the client educational planning element Elville and Associates is known for. This Self-Directed program includes: client educational review of all estate planning documents including in-person review (or via telephone or videoconference), client exercises and homework, audio and video learning tools, coordination and collaboration with financial and tax advisors, and a family meeting. Elville Self-Direct also incorporates our review of your current estate planning documents, whether or not those documents were drafted and produced by Elville and Associates.

At Elville and Associates, our attorneys and staff are committed to serving our clients, their families, and our communities by way of our caring for clients model and client legal education through counseling and superior legal-technical knowledge. If you would like to set an appointment with Stephen Elville by way of video conference or telephone conference to discuss estate, elder law, or special needs planning issues, please contact Mary Guay Kramer at 443-741-3635, or via email at mary@elvilleassociates.com.

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Thinking about a life estate in Maryland? Learn the benefits, risks, Medicaid concerns, and alternatives before adding children to your deed.

Jan 19, 2026 in Blog

Life Estates in Maryland: When They Make Sense and When They Don’t

A life estate can be a useful planning tool for some Maryland families who want to protect a home, avoid probate, and plan ahead for the future. At the same time, life estates create permanent legal and financial consequences that are often misunderstood. Knowing when a life estate works well and when it creates long-term problems is essential before moving forward. This article explains how life estates function in Maryland, common risks families encounter, how life estates interact with Medicaid planning, and alternatives that may offer greater flexibility. What Is a Life Estate? A life estate allows more than one person to hold ownership interests in the same property at different times. In Maryland, this typically allows a parent to live in and control a home for life while naming children or other individuals to receive the property automatically after death. The person living in the home is called the life tenant. The individuals who will receive the property later are known as remaindermen. While remaindermen cannot take possession during the life tenant’s lifetime, they hold a present ownership interest in the property. Life estate deeds are often used to avoid probate, support long-term planning goals, and simplify the transfer of a home. These benefits must be balanced against the legal limitations created by the deed. When a Life Estate May Make Sense In limited situations, a life estate can serve a practical purpose. This is most common in straightforward family arrangements where a parent intends to remain in the home for life and wants the property to pass directly to a specific individual without probate. Life estates may also be considered when flexibility is not a priority and future long-term care needs are unlikely. Even in these situations, careful legal review is critical before creating the deed. When Life Estates Create Problems for Maryland Families Limits on Selling or Refinancing Once a life estate is created, the life tenant generally cannot sell or refinance the property without the consent of all remaindermen. This can create serious challenges if care needs change or the property must be sold to cover expenses. Some families explore tools such as a testamentary power of appointment or a nominee realty trust to increase flexibility, but these options require careful planning and are not appropriate in every case. Difficulty Changing Ownership Removing a remainderman from a life estate deed is far more complex than changing a beneficiary on a financial account. Once added, that ownership interest is legally significant and often cannot be undone without consent or legal action. Exposure to Remainderman Issues After a remainderman is added to the deed, their legal and financial issues may affect the property. Court judgments, tax liens, divorce proceedings, or bankruptcy can complicate ownership and create unexpected risks. If a remainderman passes away before the life tenant, their interest may pass through their estate, potentially requiring probate and introducing new parties into the ownership structure. Medicaid Look-Back Concerns Creating a life estate involves transferring a property interest. If long-term care is needed within five years of that transfer, Maryland Medicaid rules may impose a penalty period. Timing and structure matter, and mistakes can be costly. Nursing Home Recovery Risks If the home is sold while the life tenant is receiving nursing home care, the state may assert a claim against the proceeds to recover Medicaid benefits paid. This outcome often surprises families. Life Estates and Medicaid Planning in Maryland A common misconception is that a life estate automatically protects a home from Medicaid. While a life estate may avoid probate, it does not replace a comprehensive Medicaid planning strategy. Medicaid planning is highly timing-sensitive and should be coordinated with broader elder law goals. Families often benefit from reviewing life estates alongside other options discussed in our Maryland elder law resources. Alternatives That Offer Greater Flexibility Depending on family goals, other planning tools may provide better long-term outcomes. Revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and coordinated elder law planning strategies often allow for asset protection while preserving flexibility and control. These approaches may integrate more smoothly with Medicaid planning and incapacity planning and can reduce risk as circumstances change. Reviewing a Life Estate as Part of a Larger Plan Life estates affect more than property ownership. They influence taxes, Medicaid eligibility, and the ability to respond to future care needs. For this reason, they should always be evaluated as part of a broader estate and elder law plan rather than used in isolation. If you are considering a life estate or already have one in place, guidance from a Maryland elder law attorney can help clarify risks and identify options before a crisis occurs. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us online, call our Columbia office at 443-339-5638, or reach our Rockville office at 240-456-1657.

Jan 13, 2026 in Blog

Life Estates in Maryland: Benefits, Risks, and Better Planning Options

A life estate can be a helpful tool for Maryland families looking to protect their homes, avoid probate, and plan for Medicaid. It is important to understand the risks involved. This article explains common life estate issues and why careful legal planning matters before deciding if this approach fits your situation. What Is a Life Estate? A life estate allows multiple people to hold interests in the same property at different times. In Maryland, this often means a parent keeps possession and use of their home while ensuring it passes to their children without going through probate. By creating a life estate deed, families may avoid probate, reduce Medicaid exposure, and receive a step up in tax basis. The person living in the home is known as the life tenant and retains control during their lifetime. The individuals who inherit the property are the remaindermen. Although they cannot take possession until the life tenant passes away, they hold a current ownership interest. When a Life Estate May Still Be Appropriate In limited situations, a life estate can serve a practical purpose. Some families use a life estate when a parent wants to remain in the home for life and ensure the property passes directly to a specific individual without probate. This is most common in straightforward family situations where long term care needs are unlikely and flexibility is not a primary concern. Even in these cases, careful review is important. A life estate permanently alters property rights, and future changes often require agreement from all parties involved. Five Issues Maryland Families Should Know 1. Limits on Selling or Borrowing Against the Property A life tenant generally cannot sell or refinance the property without agreement from all remaindermen. A testamentary power of appointment may allow the life tenant to change who inherits the property through a will, providing additional flexibility. A nominee realty trust may allow one or more children to act as trustee for all remaindermen, with decisions made by majority vote. This can be helpful when family members disagree. 2. Difficulty Removing a Remainderman Removing a remainderman from a deed is far more complex than changing a beneficiary on a financial account. In many cases, removal is not possible without consent or court involvement. 3. Legal Issues Affecting the Property Once a remainderman is added to the deed, their financial or legal issues may affect the property. Court judgments or tax liens may attach to the home Divorce or bankruptcy can complicate ownership If a remainderman passes away before the life tenant, their estate may require probate These issues may not force the life tenant to leave the home, but they can create significant complications. 4. Medicaid Look Back Period Transferring a property interest through a life estate can affect Medicaid eligibility if long term care is needed within five years of the transfer. 5. Nursing Home Reimbursement If the property is sold while the life tenant is in a nursing home, the state may have a claim against the sale proceeds to recover care costs. Why Life Estates Often Create Long Term Challenges Many families create life estates without fully understanding the limitations involved. Selling or refinancing the property usually requires consent from the remainder beneficiary, which can become problematic if care needs change or funds are needed. Life estates also expose the property to risks tied to the remainder beneficiary. Financial hardship, divorce, or creditor claims affecting that individual can impact the property even while the life tenant continues to live there. Life Estates and Medicaid Planning in Maryland A common misconception is that a life estate automatically protects a home from Medicaid rules. While a life estate may avoid probate, it does not automatically shield the property from Medicaid eligibility requirements or recovery claims. In some situations, transferring a remainder interest can create a Medicaid penalty period if it is not structured properly or completed at the right time. Because Medicaid planning is highly timing sensitive, a life estate should never be used as a substitute for a comprehensive elder law strategy. Alternatives That Offer More Flexibility Than a Life Estate Depending on a family’s goals, other planning tools may provide better long term results. Revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and coordinated elder law planning strategies may offer asset protection while preserving control and adaptability. These options often integrate more effectively with Medicaid planning and incapacity planning. Choosing the right structure depends on health, family dynamics, finances, and anticipated care needs. A solution that works well for one family may create serious limitations for another. Is a Life Estate the Right Option? For some Maryland residents, life estates can provide benefits, particularly when probate avoidance is a primary goal. The risks involved mean this approach is not appropriate for every situation. Understanding both the legal and financial impact is critical. Reviewing a Life Estate as Part of a Bigger Plan Life estates affect more than property ownership. They impact taxes, Medicaid eligibility, and a family’s ability to respond to changing circumstances. For this reason, life estates should be reviewed as part of a broader estate and elder law plan rather than used alone. If you are considering a life estate or already have one in place, speaking with a Maryland elder law attorney can help clarify risks and identify options before a crisis occurs. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us onlin e, call our Columbia office at 443-339-5638, or dial 240-456-1657 to reach our Rockville office.

2026 Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Dec 19, 2025 in Blog

Managing Principal Stephen Elville, Principal Attorneys Shannon Goodwin and Shannon Ladner, and Associate Attorney Sara von Stein Echeverria Honored on the 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Authored by: Jeffrey D. Stauffer – Community Relations Director It was announced on Friday, December 19 th that Managing Principal Stephen Elville, Principal Attorneys Shannon Goodwin and Shannon Ladner, and Associate Attorney Sara von Stein Echeverria were honored on the 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists. Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M. — Managing Principal Stephen R. Elville, President, CEO, and Managing Principal of Elville & Associates, P.C., has again been selected to the 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers List — his 11th overall and 10th consecutive year receiving this recognition. Mr. Elville’s practice centers on helping individuals and families through challenging legal landscapes with clarity, compassion, and technical skill. He leads the firm’s work in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, tax planning and asset protection and preservation, long-term care planning, and more. Clients working with Mr. Elville benefit from his deep experience navigating both pre-crisis planning and complex crisis situations — giving them peace of mind and a personalized, long-term strategy. Throughout his career, Mr. Elville has built a reputation as one of Maryland’s most respected attorneys. His broad legal-technical knowledge, combined with a caring and client-focused approach, enables him to address a wide range of legal matters with confidence and clarity. In addition to his client work, he is a seasoned educator and speaker, regularly offering webinars and workshops for clients and the surrounding community, along with continuing education events for financial advisors. Mr. Elville is an active member of several professional organizations including the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), WealthCounsel, the Academy of Special Needs Planners, and as well as the EPIC Peer Group where he travels around the country each quarter learning from and teaching likeminded attorneys. He has held leadership roles including the past Chair of the Estates & Trusts & Elder Law Sections of the Howard County Bar Association, past President of the Coalition of Geriatric Services (COGS), and past Chair of the Elder Law & Disability Rights Section Council of the Maryland State Bar Association. He was also the long-term Chair for Law Day Maryland and recently served as Chair of the Pro Bono Subcommittee of the Elder Law Disability Rights Section Council. Outside of his legal practice, he is President of the Friends of Baltimore Classical Music, Inc. and Founder of the Elville Center for the Creative Arts, Inc. — a nonprofit dedicated to furthering music education for students with limited means. Mr. Elville had a feature story written about him in the national Super Lawyers Magazine about the Elville Center and his efforts surrounding this initiative. Along with his charitable endeavors, Mr. Elville also supports community organizations such as the Autism Society of Maryland, the Brain Injury Association of Maryland, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Howard County, the Howard County Public Library System Veterans Book Group program, and more. Shannon Goodwin, J.D. — Principal Attorney Shannon Goodwin has been named to the 2026 Rising Stars List for a third consecutive year. In her role as Principal Attorney, she leads Elville and Associates’ Estate and Trust Administration Department along with estate planning and tax planning. Ms. Goodwin guides clients through every aspect of administering estates — from the probate process and inventory reporting, to accountings, final distributions, and all detailed estate tasks. Her insight and dedication help families navigate what can often be complicated and emotionally difficult processes. Her background includes undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University, followed by law school — during which she distinguished herself as a member of the Syracuse Law Review. After graduation, she gained important legal experience working as a Judicial Law Clerk for three years in the Circuit Court for Washington County, and in the District Court for Washington and Frederick Counties. She joined Elville and Associates in 2021, bringing with her a strong foundation and commitment to client care. Shannon F. Ladner, J.D. — Principal Attorney Shannon F. Ladner has earned her place on the 2026 Rising Stars List for the fourth year in a row. She leads the firm’s Estate Planning Department, where she assists clients through every stage of planning — from initial consultation to plan design and implementation, and ongoing updates as laws and life circumstances evolve. Ms. Ladner’s practice emphasizes estate planning and special needs planning. Her work is grounded in a thoughtful, client-centered approach, ensuring that each plan reflects the client’s values, goals, and unique family situation. During law school, she contributed her talents to the Human Trafficking Prevention Project Clinic, representing victims of human trafficking as a Rule 19 Student Attorney. After receiving her J.D., she served as a Judicial Law Clerk for Magistrates Susan M. Marzetta and Lori Joy Eisner in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Before joining Elville and Associates, she practiced at a small law firm in Towson, Maryland where she gained valuable experience representing clients in family law and criminal matters. Sara von Stein Echeverria, J.D. — Associate Attorney 2026 is Sara von Stein Echeverria’s first of what we see as many future inclusions on the Maryland Rising Stars list. Ms. von Stein Echeverria focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, special needs planning, asset protection, and tax planning. She is known for her thoughtful, client-centered approach and her ability to guide individuals and families through complex planning decisions with clarity, empathy, and care. Sara works closely with clients to develop comprehensive plans that protect loved ones, reflect personal values, and provide long-term peace of mind. Sara earned her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she distinguished herself through academic excellence and legal scholarship. She also holds a Master of Science from Birkbeck College, University of London, and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Dickinson College. Prior to joining Elville and Associates, her work included humanitarian and immigration-related legal advocacy, experience that continues to inform her compassionate and inclusive approach to client service. Sara is admitted to practice in Maryland and is an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Baltimore City Bar Association. To learn more about this year’s honorees and the entire team at Elville and Associates, please visit www.elvilleassociates.com. The firm is steadfast in its commitment to client education, compassionate legal service, and providing peace-of-mind solutions across estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, and beyond. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com. #elvilleeducation