Mary Beth Beattie Law Offices in Baltimore: Estate Planning for Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney

Mary Beth Beattie Law Offices is a solo estate planning practice based in Baltimore that handles wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related documents for individuals and families across the region. The firm does not practice litigation, criminal law, or general corporate work; it focuses narrowly on the documents and structures necessary to protect assets and direct decisions if an owner becomes incapacitated or dies.

What the firm offers and what it costs

The practice charges flat fees for common estate documents rather than hourly rates. A basic will runs approximately $300 to $500 depending on complexity; a revocable living trust (which avoids probate and provides privacy) typically costs $800 to $1,200 for an individual or $1,200 to $1,800 for a married couple. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives are often bundled into packages. A "basic estate plan" combining will, living trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive for a married couple generally ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. Prices may vary based on asset complexity, blended families, or out-of-state property. Confirm current pricing directly with the office, as fee structures can shift year to year.

Wills versus trusts: when each makes sense

Many Baltimore residents still believe a will is sufficient, but it provides no protection during life and forces all assets through probate after death, a public court process that costs time and money. A revocable living trust allows you to manage and distribute assets privately, avoid probate, and name a trusted successor to manage money if you become disabled. Wills are cheaper upfront and simpler for straightforward, modest estates; trusts require more initial work but save your heirs thousands in probate fees and protect you if you lose capacity. Beattie's practice typically recommends a trust-based plan for anyone with property in multiple states, a desire for privacy, or significant assets, and a will-only plan for younger individuals with small estates and few dependents.

How Beattie compares to other Baltimore estate planning options

The Baltimore area offers three main paths to estate planning: solo practitioners like Beattie, mid-size law firms with estate practices, and online document services (LegalZoom, Nolo). Online platforms cost $100 to $300 per document but provide no legal review and no attorney to answer questions about whether a trust or will fits your situation; they work well only if your estate is simple and your intentions are clear. Mid-size Baltimore firms (such as those in larger practices downtown) often bill hourly at $250 to $400 per hour or charge flat fees similar to Beattie's but may require longer retention. Beattie's flat-fee model suits people who want a defined cost, lawyer-reviewed documents, and the ability to ask questions without worrying about the meter running. Choose a solo practitioner for straightforward situations and faster turnaround; choose a larger firm if your estate involves business interests, tax strategies, or complex family dynamics that demand multiple attorneys and tax coordination.

Who should work with Beattie; who should look elsewhere

This practice is ideal for Baltimore residents without high-income businesses, significant tax exposure, or complex trust structures who want straightforward documents drafted by a lawyer at a predictable price. It suits people who are updating old wills, creating their first plan, or establishing a simple trust for a rental property. Clients who need tax planning tied to charitable giving, who own a business, or who are preparing a trust for disabled or minor beneficiaries may benefit more from a larger firm where an estate attorney can consult with a CPA or specialize in special-needs trusts. If your situation is uncomplicated and your assets are moderate, Beattie's efficient, focused approach avoids the overhead and cost of a large firm.

What a first appointment involves

Initial consultations typically occur by phone or in the office and last 30 to 60 minutes. You will discuss your assets (real estate, investments, bank accounts), who you want to inherit, and your concerns (probate costs, privacy, disability planning). The attorney will explain whether a will, trust, or combined plan fits your goals and give you a flat-fee quote. After you agree, Beattie prepares a draft, you review it, and you meet to sign documents, usually within two to four weeks. The office typically handles the notarization in-house. Many clients complete the entire process in one to two months.

Hours, location, and getting there

Mary Beth Beattie Law Offices operates by appointment. Specific hours and parking information should be confirmed by calling or emailing the office, as operating schedules can vary. The practice is located in Baltimore and serves clients throughout Maryland and neighboring states.

A solo estate-planning practice that charges flat fees removes the anxiety of hourly billing while ensuring documents are lawyer-reviewed and tailored to your state's law. For Baltimore residents seeking straightforward estate protection without the cost of a large firm, Beattie's focused approach delivers practical planning.