AWBF Law, P.C.AWBF Law, P.C.2026-06-29T09:53:57Zhttps://www.awbflaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402343/2021/10/cropped-favicon-axelson-32x32.pngOn Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[What is a pour-over will and why do you need one with a trust?]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473362026-06-29T09:53:57Z2026-06-29T09:53:43ZWhat a pour-over will is and how it works
A pour-over will is a companion document that works alongside your trust. When you die, the pour-over will captures any assets you owned that were never transferred into the trust and directs them into it. From there, the trust takes over and distributes everything according to its terms.
Maryland law recognizes this structure and allows a will to transfer assets into a trust as long as you properly identify the trust in the will. When your pour-over will properly references your trust, the two documents work together as a unified plan.
Property that flows through a pour-over will must go through the probate process before reaching the trust. The will does not eliminate that step. What it does is make sure everything ultimately lands in one place, your trust, where your instructions govern how it is handled.
Why having a trust is not enough on its own
Even the most carefully drafted trust can have gaps. People acquire new assets after creating their trust and forget to retitle them. Some assets are simply difficult to transfer into a trust during a person's lifetime. Left unaddressed, those assets could pass in ways that conflict with your overall plan or be distributed according to default state rules that may not reflect your wishes.
A pour-over will acts as a backstop. It captures what you left outside the trust and directs it where you intended, preserving the coherence of your estate plan. If you have a revocable living trust in Maryland, estate planners generally treat it as an essential companion document rather than an optional add-on.
Getting the drafting right
Coordinating a pour-over will with a trust requires careful drafting to ensure the two documents work together properly. An estate planning attorney familiar with Maryland law can help you create a plan that reflects your intentions and minimizes the risk of assets ending up distributed outside of it.
]]>by AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[The biggest workers’ compensation mistakes injured workers can make]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473342026-06-28T19:01:26Z2026-06-28T19:01:26ZWaiting too long to report the workplace accident
In Maryland, an injured employee generally must report the injury to the employer within 10 days. Missing this deadline can delay benefits or lead to a denied claim.
The incident should be reported as soon as possible, even if it seems minor. Some injuries, including back, neck and joint problems, may not cause pain until days later. Early medical care also creates records that help show the injury happened at work. Keeping copies of accident reports, medical records and other claim documents can help if questions come up later.
Assuming every medical expense and lost wage will be covered
Many families expect workers' compensation to pay for every medical bill and all lost wages after a workplace accident. However, Maryland law covers only eligible injuries and benefits supported by the required evidence. If medical records do not clearly connect an injury to the workplace accident, the claim may not cover those expenses or wage losses.
Reporting every injury and symptom from the beginning helps build a stronger claim. Even minor pain can become a serious condition over time. Complete medical records make it easier to show how the pain relates to the accident and support the benefits available under the law.
Handling insurance and employer communications without legal guidance
A few simple mistakes can hurt a workers' compensation claim. Giving incorrect information, signing documents too soon or accepting an early settlement may reduce the benefits available. Keeping clear records and working with an experienced workers' compensation attorney can help protect a family's rights and support a fair outcome.
Secure your benefits
A workers' compensation claim can shape a family's financial future. Even one mistake can delay benefits or reduce the support available after the accident. Because these claims follow strict rules and deadlines, receiving early legal guidance can help protect legal rights, avoid costly errors and move the claim forward with confidence.]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[Hit by an uninsured driver in Maryland? Here’s what to do.]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473322026-06-23T15:41:28Z2026-06-23T15:41:28ZUnderstanding your uninsured motorist coverage
Maryland law requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage. According to the Maryland Insurance Administration, this protection pays for expenses the at-fault, uninsured driver should have covered. This coverage applies to bodily injury and vehicle damage. Getting these benefits depends on the steps you take right after a crash.
Steps to take at the accident scene
Your actions at the scene build the foundation for a strong UM claim. Because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, you must prove the other driver was solely at fault.
Take these steps to protect your rights:
Call the police: A formal police report creates an official record and notes the driver's lack of insurance.
Seek medical attention: Medical evaluations document injuries immediately, even if symptoms seem minor.
Gather evidence: Photographs of the vehicles, the scene and visible injuries establish clear facts.
Notify the insurer: Prompt reporting alerts the insurance company without admitting fault.
These actions help preserve critical evidence for your claim.
Managing the insurance claim process
After the accident, you can file a claim directly with your own insurance company. Even though you pay them premiums, the insurer may limit your claim to protect its financial interests. The process involves tight deadlines, heavy paperwork and tracking all medical bills and lost wages. Managing these details during physical recovery can be challenging.
A lawyer who knows Maryland uninsured motorist cases can help you handle these legal requirements. An experienced attorney protects your rights. They pursue the compensation you deserve.]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[Can a primary custodian move out of Maryland with the child?]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473292026-06-03T14:48:37Z2026-06-03T14:48:37ZWhether a parent can relocate out of state with a child depends on various factors. Many parents assume that being a primary caregiver automatically grants them the authority to make unilateral decisions about their child. Here are some problems with such an assumption.
Moving requires mutual consent or court action
Even though a primary custodian handles the child’s day-to-day care, they usually cannot make major life decisions entirely on their ownIf they plan to move out of state with the child, Maryland law generally requires them to notify both the court and the noncustodial parent. The moving parent typically must send this written notice at least 90 days before the relocation date. If the other parent objects within 20 days, the court may stay the relocation.
The child’s best interests are supreme
Uprooting a child from a familiar environment may impact them deeply. As a result, judges carefully evaluate the intent of the relocation. Further, the court typically weighs many factors, including the primary caregiver’s parental fitness, the child’s bond with the noncustodial parent and the child's ties to their school and neighborhood.
Schedules may require modification
Moving out of Maryland can affect the noncustodial parent’s ability to visit and spend time with the child. If the court approves the relocation, it may order restructuring of the visitation calendar, often replacing short visits with long blocks of time. In other words, a weekly visit may be changed to a continued summer stay.
How can a family law attorney help the parents?
Be it a primary caregiver seeking to relocate or co-parent fighting to maintain a consistent bond, both of them might face legal hurdles down the road. Having an experienced family law attorney by their side can help them bypass common procedural mistakes, protect their parental rights and secure a workable outcome for their child.
]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[Can a primary custodian move out of Maryland with their child?]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473272026-06-03T14:46:29Z2026-06-03T14:46:29ZWhether a parent can relocate out of state with a child depends on various factors. Many parents assume that being a primary caregiver automatically grants them the authority to make unilateral decisions about their child. Here are some problems with such an assumption.
Moving requires mutual consent or court action
Even though a primary custodian handles the child’s day-to-day care, they usually cannot make major life decisions entirely on their ownIf they plan to move out of state with the child, Maryland law generally requires them to notify both the court and the noncustodial parent. The moving parent typically must send this written notice at least 90 days before the relocation date. If the other parent objects within 20 days, the court may stay the relocation.
The child’s best interests are supreme
Uprooting a child from a familiar environment may impact them deeply. As a result, judges carefully evaluate the intent of the relocation. Further, the court typically weighs many factors, including the primary caregiver’s parental fitness, the child’s bond with the noncustodial parent and the child's ties to their school and neighborhood.
Schedules may require modification
Moving out of Maryland can affect the noncustodial parent’s ability to visit and spend time with the child. If the court approves the relocation, it may order restructuring of the visitation calendar, often replacing short visits with long blocks of time. In other words, a weekly visit may be changed to a continued summer stay.
How can a family law attorney help the parents?
Be it a primary caregiver seeking to relocate or co-parent fighting to maintain a consistent bond, both of them might face legal hurdles down the road. Having an experienced family law attorney by their side can help them bypass common procedural mistakes, protect their parental rights and secure a workable outcome for their child.]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[Temporary vs. permanent disability benefits]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473242026-06-02T11:57:32Z2026-06-02T11:57:32Z workplace injury can leave a worker facing uncertainty regarding their health, income and future employment. Workers in any industry, including construction, healthcare, transportation or an office setting, may face a long recovery period after an injury. During a difficult time, these benefits can help workers get some financial help while they recover.
Many injured workers do not understand the difference between temporary and permanent disability benefits. Injured workers need to know their rights, as it helps them receive financial and medical support after an injury.
Difference between temporary and permanent disability benefits
Temporary disability benefits may be available when an injured worker will eventually return to work after recovering from their injury. These benefits provide the workers with the necessary financial support to account for the lost wages. Temporary disability benefits generally:
Replace a portion of lost wages during recovery from a workplace injury
Apply for short-term injury and required healing time
May vary, based on state workers’ comp rules
Whereas permanent disability benefits are available when an injured worker has a long-lasting injury that affects their ability to return to work long-term. These benefits:
Apply when injuries cause long-lasting impairments
Continues for extended periods depending on the injury
May impact future earning capacity and employment opportunities
These are key differences between temporary and permanent disabilities.
Legal guidance to help protect the claim
Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent disability benefits is important to protect one's future. Keeping detailed records of all hospital visits and medical records of work restrictions that resulted from the injury may help support the claim. Timely notification to the employer is very important, as it helps begin the medical evaluation and claims process. It is also important to maintain records related to compensation and benefits. Seeking legal guidance may help in getting the benefits that workers are entitled to.]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[What to do when your fence lines do not match legal records]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473222026-05-13T15:46:03Z2026-05-13T15:46:03ZUsing real-world markers
When the original deed to the land is not clear, practical location can help establish a boundary. This means how the property has been used and located on the ground over time defines the legal line. Some physical boundary indicators include:
Fences
Driveways
Landscaping
Retaining walls
Sheds
Tree lines
In addition to these tangible land markers, a long-standing agreement between land owners can also verify the boundary.
How long-held mutual recognition affects legal lines
When adjoining owners treat a fence, driveway edge or landscaping as the boundary for a long period, this is called a boundary by acquiesce. The mutual acceptance of that line as the limit between properties has to continue for at least 20 years for it to be the new legal boundary.
Even if you were mistaken by the written boundary agreement, the deed becomes irrelevant if everyone treats a visible line as the true boundary. You can also meet the 20-year requirement through “tacking,” by adding the previous owners’ time on the land to yours.
Practical steps to protect yourself
In addition to getting a licensed survey early, you can compile the following as evidence of your accepted boundary:
Property photos over time (including those from Google street view)
Old and new surveys
Statements from prior owners and neighbors
Maintenance history
Written proof acknowledging the boundary
Seeking legal guidance can help you honor your long-time reliance on these physical markers while settling the dispute.
Defending your property rights
When you are facing boundary disputes, you can use the land’s history to shift the focus from a newly asserted survey line to the reality on the ground. By supporting your claim with evidence, long-standing markers can help prove the real boundary is the one you have long lived in.]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[4 signs of hidden brain injury to watch out for after a car crash]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473202026-04-30T15:28:44Z2026-04-30T15:28:44ZAfter a car crash, you may feel completely fine. That feeling, however, can be deceiving. Adrenaline surges through your body during and after a crash, temporarily masking pain and other symptoms. Days later, hidden injuries can begin to surface. Unlike a broken bone, these injuries do not always show visible symptoms. Yet, they can be equally devastating. Hence, recognizing the warning signs early is the first and most critical step toward protecting your health and well-being.
When your body shows physical warning signs
Your body often provides the earliest indicators after a crash. Watch for persistent or worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness. You may also notice a loss of balance, extreme fatigue or ringing in your ears. Meanwhile, more concerning signs usually include slurred speech, clear fluid from your nose or ears and unequal pupil sizes. If any of these symptoms emerge, seek medical attention right away. Physical signs are often the most apparent, but they are not the only ones to monitor.
When your thinking feels off
Beyond physical symptoms, a brain injury can also compromise your cognitive function. You may experience memory loss surrounding the accident, confusion or a persistent ‘foggy’ feeling. Difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention are also common indicators.These changes may appear subtle at first, but they can signal a serious underlying injury. Along with your thinking, a hidden brain injury can also affect your behavior.
When your behavior starts to change
Additionally, a brain injury can also significantly alter how you feel and act on a daily basis. You may feel more irritable, anxious or depressed than usual. Mood swings, personality changes, aggression or apathy are also all notable warning signs.Hence, if someone close to you raises concerns about these changes, take their observations seriously. These shifts in behavior can also affect how well you rest at night.
When your sleep patterns are disrupted
Alongside behavioral changes, a brain injury can also interfere with your normal sleep patterns. You may sleep far more than usual or struggle with persistent insomnia. These disruptions may appear unrelated to the crash at first, but they are just as important to track.
Protect yourself after a crash
Together, these four signs can serve as critical indicators of a hidden injury following a crash. Even if you feel fine right away, pay close attention to any changes in the days and weeks that follow. Taking your symptoms seriously and documenting them early puts you in a stronger position as you work toward recovery. You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a crash alone and knowing that support and guidance are available can make the process far less overwhelming.]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[Do I need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473162026-04-29T10:02:49Z2026-04-29T10:02:48ZWhat is a QDRO?
A QDRO recognizes an alternate payee who has a legal right to take a portion of the participant's plan. This payee can be a former spouse or a child.
For example, a husband has a pension through his employer, and a judge decides his ex-wife should receive forty percent of the value earned during the marriage. The QDRO provides the specific instructions the pension company needs to pay her directly.
Who needs a QDRO?
You generally need a QDRO if you or your spouse plans to split a private-sector retirement account. These accounts can be a 401(k), a 403(b) or a traditional pension.
Many people mistakenly believe that a final divorce decree alone gives them access to these funds, but most plan administrators cannot legally move money without this specific court order.
For instance, if you were the primary caregiver for your children while your spouse contributed to a corporate retirement fund, you qualify for a share of that account. Unfortunately, without a QDRO, financial institutions will continue to treat the account as belonging solely to your spouse. This mistake could leave you without your fair share of the marital wealth.
Protect your finances after a divorce
Ensuring your divorce paperwork includes a QDRO is a vital step for anyone seeking a fair and equitable division of assets. This tool protects your future income and ensures you receive the retirement savings that Maryland law allows.]]>On Behalf of AWBF Law, P.C.<![CDATA[How soon can you return to work after an injury?]]>https://www.awbflaw.com/?p=473132026-04-22T07:07:33Z2026-04-22T07:07:33ZWhen you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Maryland law encourages you to wait for a doctor’s clearance before returning to full duties. You will continue receiving financial support as long as you are on workers’ compensation. Returning to work before healing completely may prematurely reduce or even end your benefits.
Moreover, you may be forced to cover your own medical bills without income loss repayments if your symptoms return or worsen. Even if you feel and look fine, following your doctors’ recommended healing time is crucial to fully recover physically and financially.
When your doctor authorizes “Light-Duty” status
You may return to work sooner if your employer has a position that fits your current physical limitations. These may be jobs that allow you to work while sitting down or do not require you to lift heavy objects.
To continue receiving your workers’ compensation benefits, you must accept light-duty work if it complies with your doctor’s restrictions. If your back-to-work order compromises your health and safety, working with a legal professional can help ensure your employer respects your medical requirements.
Focusing on regaining full stability
You deserve to make a living without lingering pain or financial burdens. The goal of workers’ compensation goes beyond seeking reimbursement. It is about ensuring that you recover adequately so you can safely return to work.]]>