Whiteford attorneys have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the complex, and ever changing, area of trusts and estates law. Our team will work diligently with you to craft and develop your estate plan from both an estate tax saving and legacy planning perspective so as to ensure that your assets pass to the next generation in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. We endeavor to establish long-term relationships with our clients and their families, so you can rest assured that our attorneys will help you keep your estate plan legally up-to-date and in line with your evolving life goals. Furthermore, if you are involved in the administration of an estate or trust of someone who has died, we can help guide you through the probate and trust administration processes. From life through death, our team is here to help you and your family transition as smoothly as possible.
Estate and Gift Tax Planning
Our team can help guide you through the complex and often confusing area of estate planning. Whiteford’s estate planning attorneys work with clients to design and implement comprehensive estate plans that are unique to each client’s individual circumstances and legacy planning goals. From basic plans to more complex trusts and sophisticated estate tax, gift tax and international tax planning, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the appropriate advice. For our clients who are business owners, Whiteford estate planning attorneys work closely with the firm’s corporate attorneys to ensure that family-owned businesses pass smoothly from one generation to the next. As a testament to our reputation in the field of estate planning, we have for years had one or more of our attorneys who have earned the distinction of being elected Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Special Needs and Incapacity Planning
Whether you yourself have special needs or have sustained illness or injury, or you are a parent or caregiver of someone in such circumstances, our team is highly experienced in helping individuals and families prepare for temporary or permanent incapacity, as well as asset protection for government benefit qualification and preservation. We work closely with families to determine the best means for protecting the assets and well-being of special needs and incapacitated individuals, whether it be through guardianship and/or conservatorship proceedings, strategic estate planning including special needs trusts, preemptive Medicaid planning or other means. We understand how sensitive special needs and incapacity planning can be and as such our attorneys provide compassionate and personalized plans to best meet the needs of the special needs or incapacitated individual and their loved ones.
Charitable Planning
There are many reasons to engage in charitable giving -- to provide funds for worthwhile causes, to create a legacy in someone’s memory, or to take advantage of the tax benefits. No matter what your goals, Whiteford’s charitable planning attorneys provide the expertise to get the most out of your charitable intentions. Our attorneys also have the experience necessary to provide you with the proper structure for your charitable gift, whether it’s a charitable remainder trust, a pooled income fund, or the creation of your own tax-exempt charitable foundation.
Estate and Trust Administration
If you have been named as a personal representative under a will, or as a trustee of a trust, these roles typically entail many responsibilities and duties. Whiteford attorneys provide advice to clients who serve in these fiduciary capacities and assist with all aspects of probate and trust administration, including preparation of estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns. In addition, due to the high level of confidence and trust that our clients have in the judgment and abilities of our attorneys, our clients often call upon us to serve in these and other fiduciary capacities. Our experience in estate and trust administration can provide for a smooth transfer of assets pursuant to a will or trust. And if a dispute arises concerning the validity of a will or trust, we can assist you in pursuing or defending against a challenge.
Fiduciary Litigation
Decades of counseling parties in matters involving the administration of estates, trusts and guardianships has provided our Whiteford attorneys with a deep knowledge of property disposition, administrative rules, fiduciary duties and obligations, and beneficiary rights, among many other often contested matters. Our attorneys draw upon their expansive expertise when representing individual beneficiaries, charities, trustees, executors, banks and trust companies in a vast array of conflicts arising out of estates and trusts. When disputes arise, our attorneys work on behalf of our clients to achieve resolutions that will maximize their interest whether it be through mediation, settlement or litigation. Collectively our team will provide you with thoughtful guidance and advice as you navigate through your dispute.
Client Alert: Trump Accounts: A New Savings Tool for Children
Client Alert: Time to Revisit Buy-Sell Agreements in the Wake of the Connelly Decision
Client Alert: Time to Revisit Buy-Sell Agreements in the Wake of the Connelly Decision
Where Will You Retire? - WTP Speaking
As the years pass by and retirement approaches, you may wonder if staying in your home is a good financial plan. Each state has unique laws that may be advantageous or harmful to your retirement. This seminar will discuss factors to consider when moving in retirement.
Where Will You Retire? - WTP Speaking
As the years pass by and retirement approaches, you may wonder if staying in your home is a good financial plan. Each state has unique laws that may be advantageous or harmful to your retirement. This seminar will discuss factors to consider when moving in retirement.
The Truth About Retirement Plans and Estate Planning - WTP co-hosting
MaryEllen Willman is co-hosting a seminar with Edelman Financial: "The Truth About Retirement Plans and Estate Planning." For more information, please contact events@wtplaw.com.
The Truth About Retirement Plans and Estate Planning - WTP co-hosting
MaryEllen Willman is co-hosting a seminar with Edelman Financial: "The Truth About Retirement Plans and Estate Planning." For more information, please contact events@wtplaw.com.
Estate Planning for Artists & Collectors - WTP speaker
This 2.5 hour CLE event is sponsored by the DC Bar Association, and will focus on the special considerations and tailored provisions needed for the wills and trusts of artists, authors and collectors. Topics will include disposition of copyrights and other intangible intellectual property, as well as persona papers and other tangible property related to the creative process.
Estate Planning for Artists & Collectors - WTP speaker
This 2.5 hour CLE event is sponsored by the DC Bar Association, and will focus on the special considerations and tailored provisions needed for the wills and trusts of artists, authors and collectors. Topics will include disposition of copyrights and other intangible intellectual property, as well as persona papers and other tangible property related to the creative process.
Being the Trustee - WTP speaker
Being a trustee means exactly what the title suggests: the person who created the trust has entrusted you with fiduciary responsibility to manage the trust and its assets under the terms of the trust and state and federal law. Learn how to meet your legal responsibilities and deal with beneficiaries of all kinds of trusts, including special needs and irrevocable life insurance trusts. The nine speakers include lawyers and bankers who will address asset management, taxation, administration, and wrapping up trusts.
This event is hosted by the MSBA and will generate 6 CLE credits.
Being the Trustee - WTP speaker
Being a trustee means exactly what the title suggests: the person who created the trust has entrusted you with fiduciary responsibility to manage the trust and its assets under the terms of the trust and state and federal law. Learn how to meet your legal responsibilities and deal with beneficiaries of all kinds of trusts, including special needs and irrevocable life insurance trusts. The nine speakers include lawyers and bankers who will address asset management, taxation, administration, and wrapping up trusts.
This event is hosted by the MSBA and will generate 6 CLE credits.
Business Owners' Workshop: How to avoid mistakes that could destroy your business and your financial future
Learn to identify and de-fang the "business killers" -- common mistakes that can devastate the value of your hard-working investment in your company. This workshop will not have the typical boring slides and long speeches. Instead, it will feature a series of six short dramatic videos that illustrate the possible consequences of failing to recognize these mistakes, followed by suggestions on how to avoid them.
5:30-6:00 p.m. Cocktails and Hor d’oeuvres
Business Owners' Workshop: How to avoid mistakes that could destroy your business and your financial future
Learn to identify and de-fang the "business killers" -- common mistakes that can devastate the value of your hard-working investment in your company. This workshop will not have the typical boring slides and long speeches. Instead, it will feature a series of six short dramatic videos that illustrate the possible consequences of failing to recognize these mistakes, followed by suggestions on how to avoid them.
5:30-6:00 p.m. Cocktails and Hor d’oeuvres
87 Whiteford Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2027
New York Expansion Continues with Joseph Jones and Benjamin Wolf
New York Expansion Continues with Joseph Jones and Benjamin Wolf
Best Law Firms Recognizes Over 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 23 Nationally
Best Law Firms Recognizes Over 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 23 Nationally
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 20 Practices
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 20 Practices
83 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2026
83 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2026
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 19 Practices
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 19 Practices
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in 43 Practices, 22 Nationally
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in 43 Practices, 22 Nationally
77 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2025
77 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2025
Best Law Firms Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 40 Whiteford Practices, Including 21 Nationally
Best Law Firms Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 40 Whiteford Practices, Including 21 Nationally
A Record 87 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024, Ten Selected as “Ones to Watch”
A Record 87 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024, Ten Selected as “Ones to Watch”
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 43 Whiteford Practices, Including 20 Nationally
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 43 Whiteford Practices, Including 20 Nationally
73 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2023, Six Selected as “Lawyer of the Year”
73 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2023, Six Selected as “Lawyer of the Year”
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to Record 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 21 Nationally
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to Record 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 21 Nationally
75 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2022, Eight Named “Ones to Watch”
75 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2022, Eight Named “Ones to Watch”
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 11 Practice Areas
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 11 Practice Areas
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 44 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 22 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 44 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 22 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
71 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2021, Six Named “Lawyer of the Year”
71 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2021, Six Named “Lawyer of the Year”
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 10 Practice Areas
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 10 Practice Areas
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 42 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 20 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 42 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 20 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
64 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2020, Five Named “Lawyer of the Year”
64 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2020, Five Named “Lawyer of the Year”
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 11 Practice Areas in 2019
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 11 Practice Areas in 2019
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 46 Whiteford Practices, Including 18 Nationally
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 46 Whiteford Practices, Including 18 Nationally
Ed Fee Honored by Chambers and Partners in Band 1 Private Wealth Law - Maryland
Ed Fee Honored by Chambers and Partners in Band 1 Private Wealth Law - Maryland
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Honored by Chambers and Partners in 12 Practice Areas
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Honored by Chambers and Partners in 12 Practice Areas
Whiteford Ranks National Tier 1 in Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate
Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018. Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings: Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate. At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
Whiteford Ranks National Tier 1 in Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate
Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018. Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings: Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate. At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and 29 Lawyers Honored by Chambers and Partners
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2017 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes a record 29 attorneys in 4 states, the District of Columbia and Afghanistan.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and 29 Lawyers Honored by Chambers and Partners
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2017 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes a record 29 attorneys in 4 states, the District of Columbia and Afghanistan.
Forty-one Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky for 2017
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 41 of its attorneys are listed among the 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky joining the sixteen who were listed earlier this year in Delaware, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Forty-one Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky for 2017
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 41 of its attorneys are listed among the 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky joining the sixteen who were listed earlier this year in Delaware, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized as National Tier 1 by U.S. News and World Report
The 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP exemplary ratings in its seventh annual rankings of law firms.
Twenty of the firm’s practices were ranked at the national level, as well as thirty-seven in Maryland, ten in Washington, D.C., and two in Roanoke, VA.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized as National Tier 1 by U.S. News and World Report
The 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP exemplary ratings in its seventh annual rankings of law firms.
Twenty of the firm’s practices were ranked at the national level, as well as thirty-seven in Maryland, ten in Washington, D.C., and two in Roanoke, VA.
Band 1 Ranking for Private Wealth Law Practice
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston’s Private Wealth Law practice is newly ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners in its 2016 High Net Worth Guide, released on June 24. According to one local lawyer, quoted anonymously in Chambers’ profile of the firm, “If I was a high net worth individual I would be going to Whiteford Taylor.” Ed Fee, also ranked Band 1, is cited as a notable practitioner. Click here for details.
Band 1 Ranking for Private Wealth Law Practice
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston’s Private Wealth Law practice is newly ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners in its 2016 High Net Worth Guide, released on June 24. According to one local lawyer, quoted anonymously in Chambers’ profile of the firm, “If I was a high net worth individual I would be going to Whiteford Taylor.” Ed Fee, also ranked Band 1, is cited as a notable practitioner. Click here for details.
59 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2016, Eight Named as “Lawyers of the Year”
Fifty-nine lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016 (copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.
59 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2016, Eight Named as “Lawyers of the Year”
Fifty-nine lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016 (copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.
U.S. News & World Report: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Once Again Ranked in More Practices than Any Other Firm in Maryland
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has once again received exemplary ratings in the fifth annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms.
U.S. News & World Report: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Once Again Ranked in More Practices than Any Other Firm in Maryland
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has once again received exemplary ratings in the fifth annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Increases Its Number of Falls Church Attorneys and Expands Its Northern Virginia Location
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP (WTP) has expanded its Falls Church office - by increasing the number of attorneys and enlarging its office space. Glenn R. Bonard, Eileen Morgan Johnson, Thomas Mugavero, Christy Richardson, and Andrew J. Terrell have joined Raymond J. Diaz, Michael Gartner, Christopher A. Jones, Katherine McCarthy, Edward J. O'Connell, and Eric A. Vendt in WTP's offices at 3190 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 300, Falls Church, VA 22042.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Increases Its Number of Falls Church Attorneys and Expands Its Northern Virginia Location
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP (WTP) has expanded its Falls Church office - by increasing the number of attorneys and enlarging its office space. Glenn R. Bonard, Eileen Morgan Johnson, Thomas Mugavero, Christy Richardson, and Andrew J. Terrell have joined Raymond J. Diaz, Michael Gartner, Christopher A. Jones, Katherine McCarthy, Edward J. O'Connell, and Eric A. Vendt in WTP's offices at 3190 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 300, Falls Church, VA 22042.