Estate Planning Attorney in Silver Spring & Bethesda, Maryland

ESTATE PLANNING

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Plan with Confidence. Protect What Matters.

At Eleff Law, we believe estate planning should never feel intimidating. Whether you're just starting your career, raising a family, or preparing for retirement, creating an estate plan gives you control over your future—and peace of mind today.

With offices in Silver Spring and Bethesda, attorney Susan Eleff brings over 35 years of experience helping Maryland residents protect their assets, care for their loved ones, and clarify their wishes through thoughtful legal planning.

What Is Estate Planning — and Why Does It Matter?

Estate planning is about more than just a will. It’s a personalized legal plan that ensures:

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Your assets

go to the people or causes you care about

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Your medical care

follows your preferences, even if you can't speak for yourself

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Your family

avoids unnecessary stress and confusion in a difficult time

At Eleff Law, we work with individuals and families across Montgomery County to design custom estate plans tailored to your needs, no matter how simple or complex.

Our Estate Planning Services Include:

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Wills & Trusts

We’ll help you choose the right tools to express your wishes and protect your beneficiaries. Trusts can offer additional control and privacy, while a will is essential for naming guardians and directing your estate.

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Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf if you're unable to. We ensure this powerful document is drafted with precision and protection.

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Advance Medical Directive

Also called a living will, this document ensures your healthcare choices are honored. We also include a healthcare power of attorney to appoint someone to make decisions if you're incapacitated.

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Family Limited Partnerships

For high-net-worth clients or those with family businesses, we offer advanced planning strategies like gifting and family limited partnerships to preserve wealth and reduce estate taxes.

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Business Succession Planning

If you own a business, we’ll create a clear plan to transition ownership and operations—avoiding disruptions and minimizing tax consequences.

What to Expect: Our Process

1. Initial Consultation

We begin with a conversation—by phone, Zoom, or in-person at our Silver Spring or Bethesda office. You'll share your goals, concerns, and family structure. No legal knowledge required—we’ll explain everything clearly.

2. Personalized Planning

Based on your goals, we’ll design a custom plan. We’ll explain the legal options in plain English, so you feel confident in every decision.

3. Drafting & Review

You’ll receive carefully crafted legal documents. We’ll walk through each one together to ensure accuracy, clarity, and full understanding.

4. Signing & Storage Guidance

Once finalized, we’ll oversee proper execution and provide tips for secure storage and sharing with loved ones or financial institutions.

5. Ongoing Support

Estate plans should evolve with your life. We’re here to review and update your plan as needed—whether after a new child, retirement, or major change.

Why Maryland Clients Trust Eleff Law

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Decades of Legal Experience
with Maryland probate, tax strategy, and advanced planning

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Accessible, Direct Service
with Susan Eleff—no hand-offs or junior staff

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Located Where You Are in Silver Spring and Bethesda,
with Maryland probate, tax strategy, and advanced planning

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Unmatched Reputation
with over 190 combined Google reviews across our offices

What Clients Say

Our reputation is built on trust, personal relationships, and consistent results.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Estate Planning in Maryland

  • Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?

    It depends on your goals. Wills are essential, but trusts can help avoid probate, protect privacy, or support complex family situations. We’ll help you weigh your options.

  • Can you help unmarried couples or blended families?

    Yes. We often work with nontraditional families and know how to structure plans that reflect real life—not just default laws.

  • Is my estate too small for planning?

    Every adult should have a basic estate plan—including a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive—regardless of asset size.

  • Do you offer flat-fee packages?

    We offer flat fees for many estate plans, depending on complexity. We’ll provide a clear quote after the initial consultation.

  • Are you familiar with Montgomery County estate law?

    Absolutely. We’ve worked with local courts, financial advisors, and institutions in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and throughout the region.

Contact Us


Let’s Start Your Plan

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