Kerri Castellini in Baltimore: Trusts and Estate Planning for Maryland-Resident Families

Kerri Castellini is a solo trusts and estates attorney in Baltimore who handles wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration for Maryland residents. Her practice focuses on avoiding probate through trust structures and clarifying tax implications for moderate- to mid-size estates, rather than high-net-worth asset protection or business succession planning.

What she actually does

Castellini practices trusts, wills, and probate law on a solo basis in the Baltimore area, meaning clients work directly with her rather than coordinating through an office. She advises clients on whether a revocable living trust, a will, or both fit their situation and Maryland law. Her services include drafting documents, explaining powers of attorney (financial and health care), and representing families through probate if an estate goes to court. She does not specialize in tax-driven strategies for estates over $13 million, Medicaid planning, or business ownership disputes, which clarifies the scope and cost tier of her practice.

Services and pricing

Castellini charges flat fees for most foundational documents rather than hourly rates. A revocable living trust package, which includes the trust document, deed transfers for real property in Maryland, and a pour-over will, typically runs between $1,200 and $1,800 depending on complexity and property count. A will-only package costs less, usually $400 to $700. Powers of attorney (financial and health care directives) are often bundled into larger engagements or offered at $300 to $500 per document. Probate administration fees depend on estate size and court involvement but start at $1,500 for straightforward, uncontested probates. Clients should confirm these ranges by calling her office, as flat-fee pricing can shift with changes in Maryland probate rules or her caseload.

How she compares to other Baltimore-area options

Baltimore has three categories of estate planners: solo attorneys like Castellini, mid-size firms such as those in Harbor East and Federal Hill, and large regional practices with satellite Baltimore offices. Mid-size firms (5 to 15 attorneys) often charge hourly rates of $200 to $350 per hour, making them better for complex disputes or tax planning but costlier for straightforward trust creation. Large firms can exceed $400 per hour. Choose Castellini if you need a basic trust, want to avoid probate for a Maryland home, and prefer direct access to your attorney without billing per tenth of an hour. Choose a larger firm if your estate includes out-of-state property, significant retirement accounts with tax complications, or family conflict that requires litigation experience. Choose a local CPA or financial advisor who offers estate planning if you want preliminary document review alongside tax projection, though that person will likely refer you to an attorney for final drafting.

Who this suits and who it does not

Castellini works well for Maryland families with primary residences, modest investment accounts, and clear heirs who want a trust to avoid probate delays and privacy loss. She suits widows or widowers updating documents after a spouse's death, parents naming guardians for minor children, and anyone wanting to ensure health care wishes are documented. Her practice does not fit clients with complicated tax situations, out-of-state real estate, farms or business interests, blended families with competing claims, or estates likely to exceed $13 million. If your parents died intestate and you are executor of a contested probate, you will need litigation capacity beyond a solo practitioner; seek a medium-sized firm with probate litigation attorneys.

What the first visit involves

Initial consultations are typically 30 to 45 minutes and may be conducted by phone or in person at her office. Castellini asks about property ownership, beneficiaries, whether you have a will or trust already, and your main concern (probate avoidance, medical decision-making, or asset protection). She explains whether Maryland law requires probate in your situation and recommends trust vs. will based on your property and family structure. The consultation cost is usually waived if you move forward with an engagement; confirm this when scheduling. After that meeting, she drafts documents, you review them, meet again to finalize and sign (often with a notary present), and then handle any deed recording for Maryland property yourself or with her guidance.

Hours, location, and logistics

Castellini operates in Baltimore proper and works by appointment Monday through Friday during standard business hours; confirm exact hours and whether she offers evening slots for clients who work traditional schedules. Parking is available on street or in nearby lots if you meet in person. Remote consultations and document reviews by email or phone are common, so you do not need to travel for every step. She is admitted to practice in Maryland and will handle all filings and courthouse steps herself for probate work.

Why she belongs in Baltimore

Castellini fills the gap between do-it-yourself online will services, which miss Maryland probate quirks and tax implications, and expensive regional firms that over-engineer simple estates. Her solo practice and flat-fee model make professional estate planning accessible to middle-income Baltimore households.