Planning for Your Future, Protecting Your Legacy, and Supporting Your Loved Ones
Estate planning is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect what matters most. Whether your goal is to create a simple will, establish trusts, appoint a power of attorney, ensure medical decisions are honored, or prepare a comprehensive estate plan, these decisions provide clarity, security, and peace of mind for you and your family.
Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A. has helped individuals, families, and business owners navigate estate planning for nearly a century. With more than 160 years of combined legal experience, our estate planning attorneys offer thoughtful guidance, detailed planning, and personalized support to help you preserve your assets and ensure that your wishes are carried out.
Call 410-263-3131 or request a consultation through the Contact page
Wills, Trusts and Estates Attorneys in Annapolis, Maryland
Preparing an estate plan is not only about documentation. It is about understanding your goals, safeguarding your property, and making decisions that will affect generations to come. Whether you are beginning the process or updating an existing plan, you deserve legal counsel that is clear, comprehensive, and compassionate.
Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A. brings a long tradition of service to estate planning clients. Founded in 1929 by Noah A. Hillman, an Annapolis leader who served as Alderman and interim Mayor, the firm has maintained a longstanding dedication to community values, professional integrity, and careful legal guidance. Over the decades, respected attorneys including Samuel J. Brown, Daniel J. Mellin, Michael P. Darrow, Jonathan E. Pasterick, and others strengthened the firm’s estate planning practice and shaped a tradition that still guides our work today.
Learn more about the firm’s legacy on the Our Firm page
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services for Individuals and Families
Estate planning involves many decisions, and each client has unique goals. Some individuals need basic documents. Others require complex trust structures, tax planning, or succession planning for closely held businesses.
Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A. assists with the full range of estate planning needs, from straightforward planning to advanced strategies.
Our estate planning services include:
Wills and Testamentary Planning
A will provides clear instructions regarding how your property should be distributed and who will serve as guardian for minor children.
Powers of Attorney
We help clients appoint trusted individuals to make financial, business, or legal decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
Advance Directives
Advance directives communicate your health care wishes and appoint a medical agent to make decisions consistent with your values.
Trusts
Trusts can help avoid probate, reduce taxes, protect assets, support family members, or provide for individuals with special needs.
Probate and Estate Administration
We guide families through probate proceedings, estate administration, asset collection, and compliance with Maryland law.
To explore additional legal services, visit the Practice Areas page
A Legacy of Excellence in Maryland Estate Planning
Estate planning clients trust Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A. because of the firm’s longstanding history, strong reputation, and personalized approach.
Nearly 100 Years of Serving the Annapolis Community
Founded in 1929, our firm has supported multiple generations of Maryland families. Our attorneys understand the unique needs of long-term residents, local business owners, and families planning for generational wealth.
Attorneys Recognized for Professionalism and Achievement
Our estate planning attorneys and partners have been honored across the legal community through distinctions including:
Leading Lawyers
Up and Coming Lawyers
Maryland Super Lawyers
Rising Stars
Best Attorneys in Anne Arundel County
These honors reflect our attorneys’ dedication to excellence, professionalism, and service.
Client Testimonials Reflecting Trust and Confidence
Estate planning clients often share their appreciation for our clarity, patience, and thoughtful guidance. For example:
“Sam Brown is worth his weight in gold. From the initial consultation through the entire divorce process, Sam and his team were on top of every detail. He fought for me every step of the way. You definitely want Sam Brown on your side.”
-Estate Planning Client
This type of praise demonstrates the calm, steady guidance our attorneys bring to each estate planning matter.
Why Choose Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A. for Estate Planning
Clients choose our firm because we provide a comprehensive, personalized approach to estate planning that is supported by decades of knowledge and experience.
1. Experience With Simple and Complex Estates
Whether you need a basic will or a multi-layered estate plan involving trusts and business succession, we tailor our recommendations to your goals.
2. Strong Background in Real Estate, Business, and Construction Law
Estate planning often overlaps with other legal needs such as:
This multidimensional knowledge helps us offer thorough, forward-looking plans.
3. Clear, Compassionate Guidance
We explain your options in a straightforward and supportive way so you can make informed decisions.
4. Customized Planning for Individuals, Families, and Business Owners
No two estates are alike. We consider family dynamics, financial needs, goals, and tax considerations.
5. Nearly a Century of Community Trust
Our history in Annapolis provides clients with the reassurance of working with a firm known for integrity and excellence.
Meet the Estate Planning Attorneys
Our estate planning team includes attorneys with deep experience guiding clients through wills, trusts, probate, and long-term planning decisions.
Our estate planning attorneys are:
To learn more about their professional backgrounds, visit the Attorneys page
Estate Planning Matters We Frequently Handle
Estate planning involves many considerations, and our attorneys support clients through a range of essential decisions.
Wills and Basic Estate Planning Documents
We help clients draft wills that clearly express how property should be distributed and appoint trusted individuals for key roles.
Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives
We draft powers of attorney for financial matters and advance directives for medical decisions.
Trust Planning
Our firm assists with:
- Revocable trusts
- Irrevocable trusts
- Special needs trusts
- Charitable trusts
- Family trusts
- Business succession trusts
Probate and Estate Administration
We guide families through:Our firm assists with:Our firm assists with:
- Filing required petitions
- Collecting and valuing assets
- Paying taxes and debts
- Completing distributions
Gift and Estate Tax Planning
We help clients minimize estate taxes and plan for tax efficiency.
Charitable Planning
We assist clients who wish to support charities through planned giving or charitable trusts.
Business Succession Planning
For business owners, estate planning often includes long-term leadership and ownership planning.
Understanding the Estate Planning Process
We aim to make the estate planning process straightforward and accessible.
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your goals, your assets, and the concerns you want to address.
2. Document Review and Planning
We assess existing plans or begin developing a new structure that fits your wishes.
Strategy Development
We provide recommendations tailored to your personal, financial, and family needs.
4. Drafting of Estate Planning Documents
We prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and directives for your review.
5. Execution and Implementation
We ensure that all documents are properly executed and legally effective.
6. Ongoing Support
We assist with updates, probate matters, trust administration, and long-term planning as circumstances evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning
Explore Helpful Estate Planning Insights on Our Blog
-
How do I pick the right attorney?
How do I pick the right attorney? Hiring the right lawyer is one of the more important decisions you will make in your life. They can help you protect your…
-
Ask an Attorney: Expunging Your Record
One of the many services Hillman, Brown & Darrow offers is providing advice and assistance to our clients in filing…
-
Helping Youth Navigate Their Future
Hillman Brown & Darrow’s senior partner and co-founder, Michael P. Darrow, was recently invited to speak at the Mastery Charter…
Schedule a Consultation With Our Annapolis Estate Planning Attorneys
Preparing an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets, your wishes, and your loved ones. Whether you need to create essential documents or develop a complex estate strategy, the attorneys at Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A. offer thoughtful guidance backed by decades of experience.
Call 410-263-3131 or schedule your consultation through the Contact page