For Delaware trustees and trust beneficiaries, a certification of trust can provide a practical balance between demonstrating authority and protecting privacy. It allows a trustee to provide relevant information to a bank, financial institution, title company, purchaser, or other party without automatically disclosing the trust’s private distribution provisions.

Because the certification must accurately reflect the trust as it currently exists, trustees should make sure it is consistent with the trust agreement and any subsequent amendments.

One of the biggest misconceptions in estate planning is that once your children inherit your assets, your planning is complete.

In reality, how your children inherit may be just as important as what they inherit.

Parents often ask us:

• What happens if my child gets divorced after I die?

• Can creditors take my child's inheritance?

• Can I make sure the inheritance stays in my bloodline?

For families in Delaware and Pennsylvania, the answer is often yes—but only if your estate plan is designed with asset protection in mind.

Retirement accounts are often among the most valuable assets people own. Whether you've spent decades contributing to a traditional IRA or participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, it's important to understand the rules governing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

Many people assume they can leave their retirement savings untouched for as long as they like. However, federal law generally requires account owners to begin taking withdrawals from certain retirement accounts once they reach a specified age.

If you're planning for retirement—or reviewing your estate plan—understanding RMDs can help you avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure your estate planning strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals.

We are proud to congratulate our associate attorney, Laura Giardina, Esquire, as she begins an exciting new chapter in her legal career with a one-year judicial clerkship at the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

A federal judicial clerkship is a tremendous professional opportunity and a meaningful accomplishment. During her year with the Court, Laura Giardina, Esquire will have the opportunity to work closely with the federal judiciary, gain valuable insight into the judicial decision-making process, and further develop her skills in legal research, writing, and analysis.

Maven Law is pleased to welcome Marissa Lelii, Esq., as an Associate Attorney and Chris Pendleton, J.D., as a Law Clerk.

Marissa joins Maven Law with a strong commitment to thoughtful advocacy, client service, and excellence in the practice of law. We are excited to have her bring her knowledge, perspective, and dedication to our growing team.

Chris joins the firm as a Law Clerk, contributing his legal research, writing, and analytical skills while continuing to develop his experience in the practice of law.

One of the most difficult—and most important—decisions parents make during the estate planning process isn't about money.

It's deciding who would raise their children if the unthinkable happened.

No parent likes to imagine a future where they are no longer there to care for their children. But naming a guardian in your estate planning documents gives your family guidance during an incredibly difficult time and allows you to express your wishes to the court.

If you have minor children, choosing the right guardian is one of the most valuable gifts you can give them.

For many families, pets are more than animals—they're beloved members of the family. Yet one of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is ensuring that a cherished pet will be cared for if its owner passes away or becomes incapacitated.

Many people assume that simply leaving money to a friend or family member with instructions to care for a pet is enough. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.

Fortunately, both Delaware and Pennsylvania recognize pet trusts, allowing pet owners to set aside funds specifically for the care of their animals after their death.

The Social Security Disability Disabled Adult Child (DAC) program provides monthly benefits to adults with disabilities based on a parent's work record instead of their own. This program helps people whose disabilities began before they turned 22 years old and who are unable to work because of a serious medical condition. Even though the name says "child," the person applying is usually an adult. The word "child" simply means they qualify through a parent's Social Security earnings.

A post-separation payment does not automatically create a dollar-for-dollar credit. Delaware Family Court looks at the source, purpose, benefit, documentation, and overall equities.

Delaware follows equitable distribution. Family Court first decides what property and debt are marital, values the marital estate, and then divides it in proportions the Court considers just under 13 Del. C. § 1513. An equal division is possible, but Delaware law does not require a 50/50 result in every case.