Ritter Elder Law
& Estate Planning

The only constant in life is change. At Ritter Elder Law & Estate Planning, our attorneys and staff are experts in planning for and navigating the changes we experience as we age.

Focus Areas

Estate Planning & Probate

Wills, Revocable Trusts, Advanced Directives, and Powers of Attorney

Elder Law & Medicaid

Medicaid Planning, Asset Spend Down, Irrevocable Trusts, Medicaid Application

Special Needs Law

Supplemental Needs Trusts, Guardianship, Estate Planning for Special Needs Children

Business Planning

Business Formation, Succession Planning, and Business Document Preparation

Wrongful Death

Advocating for You When a Loved One Leaves Too Soon

Our Team

Brian W. Ritter, Jr.

Founder and Managing Partner

I formed Ritter Elder Law & Estate Planning to help people enjoy their golden years to the fullest. In over a decade of practice, I have assisted clients with a wide variety of estate planning and elder law matters, including estate planning for high net-worth clients, nearly all types of probate, guardianship and trust administration cases, and a vast array of long-term care and Medicaid issues.

An added benefit of my practice has been helping families navigate the difficult waters of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, asset protection planning, and ensuring children with disabilities are provided for after their parents pass away. I have recently expanded my areas of practice to include handling the tragic wrongful death cases that sometimes accompany probate matters.

“I have prepared estate plans for families with minimal assets to high net-worth individuals and those who fall anywhere in between. I am confident that my firm will be able to assist your family with all your estate planning, probate, Medicaid planning and crisis planning, and elder law needs.”

Brian Ritter

Education

University of South Carolina,
Columbia, SC

B.A. Political Science, Magna Cum Laude

University of Baltimore,
Baltimore, MD

J.D., Magna Cum Laude

Bar admissions

Court of Appeals of Maryland

December 2011

United States District Court for the District of Maryland

March 2012

District of Columbia Court of Appeals

November 2012

United States District Court for the District of Columbia

January 2013

Jason Tkaczuk

Of Counsel

When I graduated law school, I had never pictured myself getting into this kind of work, but I soon found that elder law and estate planning entails the three things I love to do professionally: practicing law, utilizing my business education, and helping others.

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, I completed the JD/MBA program at the University of California, Irvine. In business school, I graduated in the top 12% of my class, and in law school, I earned awards for my legal writing and pro bono work.

I have a keen understanding how business and the law intersect, and I love using that knowledge to help clients overcome business succession and planning challenges.

Education

University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

B.A. Political Science

University of California, Irvine Merage School of Business, Irvine, CA

M.B.A.

University of California, Irvine School of Law, Irvine, CA

J.D.

Bar admissions

Supreme Court of California

December 2021

Court of Appeals of Maryland

June 2022

Reviews

We’re often asked about

What is a Buy-Sell Agreement?

In Maryland, a buy-sell agreement is a legal contract between co-owners of a business or property that outlines the terms and conditions under which one owner may sell their share to the other owner(s).

Buy-sell agreements are often used to provide a framework for the transfer of ownership in the event of certain triggering events, such as the death, disability, retirement, or voluntary departure of one of the owners. The agreement can also include provisions for the sale of an owner’s share if they default on a loan or violate certain terms of the agreement.

The buy-sell agreement can specify the price at which the owner’s share will be sold, as well as the terms of payment and any other conditions that must be met before the sale can be completed. It can also address issues such as how the business will be valued, who will be responsible for managing the business, and how disputes will be resolved.

A buy-sell agreement can be an important tool for protecting the interests of all co-owners and ensuring that the business or property continues to operate smoothly in the event of unexpected events. It’s important to work with a qualified attorney to draft a buy-sell agreement that meets the specific needs of the co-owners and complies with Maryland law.

Business Planning

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Do I need to have a Contract to Sell Real Estate in Maryland?

Yes, in Maryland, a contract is typically required to sell property. A contract is a legally binding agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, the closing date, and any contingencies or conditions that must be met before the sale can be finalized.

The contract is usually prepared by a real estate agent or an attorney and must be signed by both the buyer and the seller. Once the contract is signed, it becomes a legally binding agreement, and both parties are required to comply with its terms.

In addition to the contract, there are several other documents and steps that are typically required to sell property in Maryland. These may include a property disclosure statement, a title search and title insurance, a deed, and various other legal documents.

It’s important to work with a qualified real estate professional or attorney who is familiar with Maryland’s real estate laws and regulations to ensure that all necessary documents and steps are completed correctly and on time. This can help ensure a smooth and successful sale of the property.

Real Estate

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What is a Life Estate Deed Without Powers?

In Maryland, a life estate deed is a type of legal agreement that allows a person (known as the life tenant) to own and use a property during their lifetime, while also designating one or more other individuals (known as remaindermen) to receive ownership of the property upon the life tenant’s death.

Under a life estate deed, the life tenant retains the right to use and occupy the property for the rest of their life, but they cannot sell or transfer ownership of the property without the consent of the remaindermen. Once the life tenant passes away, the remaindermen automatically become the owners of the property, without the need for probate.

Life estate deeds can be used for various purposes, such as to transfer ownership of property to family members while also allowing the original owner to retain use of the property during their lifetime. They can also be used to avoid the costs and delays of probate, as ownership of the property passes directly to the remaindermen upon the life tenant’s death. These types of deeds may also be used in Medicaid planning and asset protection planning.

To create a life estate deed in Maryland, the property owner must execute and record a deed that designates themselves as the life tenant and one or more individuals or entities as the remaindermen. It’s important to note that once a life estate deed is created, it can be difficult to change or undo, so it’s important to consult with a qualified attorney before proceeding with this type of legal agreement.

Elder Law & Medicaid

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Have more questions? See our FAQ page

Let’s talk

(443) 684-2028

[email protected]

30 Industry Lane, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

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