Securing your legacy
You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for the long-term well-being and financial security of your loved ones can bring you comfort.  I will thoroughly analyze your finanical situation and determine the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, protecting your minor children by establishing guardianships or trusts, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones.

Draft your living will and last will and testament
Your last will and testiment provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to somebody besides a blood relative, such as a friend or charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your beloved pet — decisions that might not reflect your desires. I can draft a valid will that ensures your intentions are honored.


A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your living will sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. A living will assures that your wishes will be honored when you are most vulnerable.

Changing your will
As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your will throughout your life. I can draft codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Naming a Guardian
If you have minor children, your will allows you to make decisions about their future care. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets’ care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your pets.

The process of probate
The process of probate typically accompanies a situation involving painful emotional loss. I am a knowledgeable, meticulous probate attorney who can ease the stress of probating your loved one’s estate and guide executors and beneficiaries through the complex process:


  • Filing the will with the appropriate Maryland county probate court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Paying estate taxes
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate


Probate disputes
Even for seemingly straightforward estates, disputes between beneficiaries sometimes arise. I can calm the emotionally-charged process of probating a challenged will or disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interest of my clients to preserve cordial familial relationships, I am adept at mediating disputes. That said, I also assertively defend my clients’ beneficiary rights within the Maryland and District of Columbia probate courts when doing so is necessary.

Successfully serving clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Jeanne K. Aelion is admitted to the practice of law in Maryland and Washington, D.C., representing clients in both jurisdictions on a regular basis.

A law firm you can count on
when you need legal help from an experienced, committed and compassionate attorney.

Call me, e-mail me at jaelion@verizon.net or utilize the “Contact Us” to schedule an appointment.

    Estate and Probate

    Estate and Probate Attorney Ready to Assist You in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

    301.464.2763 (Bowie) 410.630.8323 (Edgewater) 866.986.5593 (Toll Free)

    Jeanne K. Aelion 

    Strong Legal Advocacy to Protect Your Rights and Interests

    I'm On Your Side

    Experienced representation is just a phone call away.

    Preserving your family’s wealth for future generations

    Whether you’re planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, the law office of Jeanne K. Aelion has more than 30 years of experience helping individuals with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:


    •     Estate planning
    •     Estate administration
    •     Estate tax issues
    •     Choosing the appropriate executor
    •     Guardianships
    •     Living wills
    •     Living trusts
    •     Wills drafting
    •     Powers of attorney
    •     Probate administration
    •     Probate litigation
    •     Health care powers of attorney