Frank, Frank & Scherr in Baltimore: Estate Planning Through Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney

Frank, Frank & Scherr is a Baltimore-based estate planning law firm focusing on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents for individuals and families. The firm operates at a moderate scale relative to large regional practices but smaller than solo practitioners, positioning it to offer personalized attention while maintaining structured processes common to established firms.

What Frank, Frank & Scherr actually does

The firm handles the core documents that define how assets transfer, who makes decisions if you cannot, and how your estate avoids probate. Wills direct asset distribution after death; living trusts let assets pass to heirs outside probate court, reducing delays and privacy exposure. Powers of attorney appoint someone to handle finances or healthcare decisions during your lifetime, particularly important if incapacity occurs. Frank, Frank & Scherr also prepares beneficiary designation reviews (ensuring life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts align with your overall plan) and addresses special situations like blended families, minor beneficiaries, and charitable giving.

Services and pricing

The firm works on flat-fee packages rather than hourly billing for standard estate plans. A basic will typically costs between $500 and $800; a revocable living trust with related documents (will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives) generally ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on complexity. More involved setups for second marriages, significant assets, or special needs trusts fall into higher tiers. Confirm current rates with the firm directly, as fee structures can shift.

Clients typically meet for an initial consultation (often free or low-cost) to discuss goals, family structure, and assets. The attorney then drafts documents tailored to Maryland law. A follow-up appointment covers review and execution in front of witnesses and, for trusts, a notary. The entire process from first meeting to signed documents usually spans 4 to 6 weeks.

How Frank, Frank & Scherr compares to other Baltimore estate planning options

Baltimore's estate planning landscape ranges from solo practitioners who charge hourly ($200 to $350 per hour, meaning simple wills run $1,000 to $2,500 depending on length of consultation) to large firms that often specialize in complex tax or multi-state planning and command premium fees. Online document services like LegalZoom or Nolo offer templates for $100 to $500 but provide no legal guidance specific to Maryland law or your situation and no follow-up support if circumstances change.

Frank, Frank & Scherr occupies the middle ground: flat-fee simplicity and Maryland expertise without the overhead of a major firm. Choose Frank, Frank & Scherr if you want straightforward documents (single will, basic trust, standard powers of attorney) with a local attorney available for questions. Choose a solo practitioner if your assets are very modest and you want minimal cost. Choose a larger firm if your estate includes multiple properties, significant business interests, or tax-planning needs that span federal and Maryland tax codes.

Who Frank, Frank & Scherr suits and does not suit

The firm is a fit for middle-income to upper-middle-income Baltimore families with straightforward family structures or moderate complexity. It works well for people 40 to 75 years old establishing or updating foundational documents, for parents naming guardians for minor children, and for anyone who wants a local attorney without the formality and cost of a regional powerhouse.

It is less suitable for ultra-high-net-worth clients needing trust protections across multiple states, business owners requiring buy-sell agreements or succession plans integrated with entity documents, or families with unusual situations (substantial special needs trusts, charitable remainder trusts, international assets) where specialized expertise adds measurable value.

What the first visit involves

Most estate planning consultations begin with intake forms asking about family members, asset types and approximate values, existing documents, and goals. During the in-person meeting, the attorney listens to your situation, explains which documents you need, and answers questions about probate, tax implications, and Maryland-specific rules (such as which assets require retitling into a trust). You leave with a proposal, fee quote, and timeline. Payment is typically due upfront for flat-fee packages, and drafting begins once you approve. A follow-up meeting confirms the documents are correct before signing.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Verify the firm's current office address and hours by phone or website before visiting, as law office locations and appointment scheduling can shift. Frank, Frank & Scherr's Baltimore location is served by street parking typical of the city; check whether the specific address offers dedicated lot access. Many clients schedule evening or early-morning appointments to accommodate work; confirm availability at booking.

Frank, Frank & Scherr brings Maryland-specific know-how and flat-fee pricing to a core service most Baltimore households need at least once. The firm's moderate scale means you work with real people rather than document factories, yet structured enough to deliver timelines and fees comparable to larger peers.