Estate Planning

ESTATE PLANNING

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Protect Your Family. Preserve Your Legacy.

When it comes to planning for the future, the most important decisions aren’t always about assets—they’re about clarity, protection, and peace of mind. At Eleff Law, we help individuals and families across Bethesda, Silver Spring, Washington, DC, Frederick, Northern Virginia and surrounding areas craft estate plans that are legally sound, deeply personalized, and built to last.

Maryland Estate Planning Tailored to Your Life

With more than 35 years of legal experience, Attorney Susan Eleff provides direct, one-on-one guidance to help clients create comprehensive estate plans—without confusion or guesswork. Whether you’re planning ahead, navigating life changes, or managing generational wealth, we tailor every document to your specific goals, values, and relationships.


We are happy to serve, among others:

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Families in Bethesda

navigating complex estates, blended families, or tax-conscious legacy planning

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Individuals and couples in Silver Spring

preparing wills, trusts, or powers of attorney for the first time

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Retirees and adult children in Frederick

working to simplify estate matters and minimize future burdens

What an Estate Plan Includes

A complete estate plan goes beyond just a will. It ensures you remain in control—whether you’re managing your affairs today, or your loved ones are stepping in tomorrow.


Our estate planning services include:

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Last Will and Testament

Name beneficiaries, guardians, and executors clearly and legally.

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Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts

Protect assets, avoid probate, and provide for beneficiaries with privacy and flexibility, and depending on the terms, reduce or eliminate future estate taxes.

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Powers of Attorney

Appoint someone you trust to handle legal or financial matters if you’re unable to.

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Advance Directives (Living Wills & Health Care Proxies)

Ensure your medical preferences are respected.

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Estate Tax Planning & Gifting Strategies

Especially relevant in high-asset estates common to Bethesda and Montgomery County.

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Family Limited Partnerships

Manage family wealth and prepare for generational transfers in a structured way, and facilitate gifting strategies.

Why Work With a Local Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning laws and probate processes vary across states—and even counties. Susan Eleff has decades of experience practicing law in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, with a focus on the local rules and procedures that directly affect her clients. Her offices in Silver Spring and Bethesda allow her to provide practical, accessible guidance to clients in Montgomery County and beyond.


Many clients find us through local searches and referrals. Whether you're in:

1. Downtown Bethesda or DC

looking for guidance on trusts for high-value property

2. Takoma Park or Aspen Hill

needing straightforward estate planning for a growing family

3. Frederick

wanting a second opinion or help with a power of attorney

 – we provide clear, personalized answers and documents you can rely on.

Our Approach

You won't get generic templates here. At Eleff Law, every client works directly with Attorney Susan Eleff, not an assistant or junior associate. You get the benefit of a seasoned legal advisor who listens, explains, and delivers plans that reflect your specific needs.


What sets us apart:

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Plain English, Not Legalese
We explain every step so you always understand what you're signing.

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Hands-On Service
Questions aren’t just welcomed—they’re expected.



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No Cookie-Cutter Plans
Every estate is different. Yours should be, too.

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Trusted for Over Three Decades
With hundreds of 5-star reviews across Bethesda and Silver Spring.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Estate Planning for Maryland, DC and Virginia Residents

  • How often should I update my estate plan?

    You should review your estate plan every few years—or any time your life circumstances change. This includes marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, a significant change in financial situation, or the loss of a loved one named in your documents. Many clients return for updates as their children grow older, inheritances shift, or they move into new stages of life. A quick review can help ensure your plan still reflects your intentions and complies with current Maryland, DC or Virginia law.

  • What happens if I don’t have a will in Maryland, DC or Virginia?

    If you pass away without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of your domicile, Maryland, DC or Virginia. This means the state or jurisdiction—not you—decides who receives your property. That process may not reflect your wishes, especially if you're unmarried, in a blended family, or want to support someone outside your immediate relatives. It can also delay distribution and create unnecessary stress for your loved ones. A valid will ensures your voice is heard.

  • What documents are included in a standard estate plan?

    A typical estate plan includes:


    • A Last Will and Testament
    • Durable Power of Attorney (for financial/legal decisions)
    • Advance Medical Directive (including healthcare proxy, HIPAA authorization and living will)
    • Optional: Revocable Living Trust, Guardianship Designations, or Property Transfer Documents

     Each plan is tailored to fit your needs—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

  • What should I have at hand for my first consultation?

    It’s helpful to bring a list of your major assets (real estate, bank accounts, retirement plans), family relationships, and any specific wishes you’ve already considered. If you have existing documents—even if they’re outdated—bring those, too.  And don’t worry if you’re unsure what to ask or don’t have details of your accounts handy.  There’s no need to procrastinate, and we’ll walk through everything together. 

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What Should I Bring to My First Meeting?

Estate planning isn’t about preparing for the worst—it’s about building peace of mind. Contact Eleff Law today to schedule your consultation.