Estate taxes are separate from probate expenses and final income taxes. Probate costs may often be avoided through proper estate planning tools, such as a revocable living trust, while final income taxes apply to any income earned during the year of death. Estate taxes, however, are a separate matter that can significantly impact the value of an estate passed on to loved ones.

Federal estate taxes can be substantial. Currently, assets exceeding the federal estate tax exemption are taxed at a rate of 40%, and these taxes are generally due within nine months after death. Because estate taxes must typically be paid in cash, families may be forced to sell real estate, business interests, or other valuable assets to satisfy the tax obligation. With proactive planning, however, many families can reduce or even eliminate estate taxes altogether.

If you or someone you know has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you might be able to get help from Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits are for people who have a disability that makes it hard for them to work and take care of themselves. Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the conditions that can qualify for these benefits.

To apply for Social Security Disability (SSD), you need to show that your autism makes it very hard for you to do everyday tasks like getting a job, taking care of yourself, or communicating with others. Social Security will look at your medical records and other information about how your condition affects you.

Many of us live with serious mental health conditions. These can include depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it hard to work, focus, or take care of daily tasks. When this happens, some people apply for Social Security Disability benefits for help making ends meet.

If you are suffering from mental health conditions that make it hard for you to work, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Call Melissa Green of Maven Law for a free 30-minute consultation about your case. She can help guide you through the process and improve your chances of getting the support you need.

If you are trying to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), I want you to know something very important. It is called your “Date Last Insured,” or DLI.

Your DLI is the last day you are covered for SSDI. I like to think of it as a deadline. To get benefits, you must show that your disability started on or before that date. If you became disabled after your DLI, you may not qualify for SSDI, even if you are very sick now.

I know this can be confusing. Many people do not know their DLI or why it matters. They may file a claim too late or not have the right proof. This can cause them to lose benefits they could have received.

At the heart of the Launch Party celebration were the firm’s partners—Marta M. Dybowski, Vernon Vassallo, and Alfred A. Cave—whose combined experience and shared commitment to excellence form the foundation of Maven Law. Each brings a distinct perspective and depth of expertise, yet together they embody a unified mission: to provide thoughtful, strategic, and client-centered legal solutions.

When people first explore disability benefits, they often hear about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and assume they’re the same. While both are administered by the Social Security Administration and require proof of disability, they serve different purposes and populations.

When you’re going through a divorce in Delaware, dividing retirement accounts can be one of the most complex challenges you’ll face. If you or your spouse have a 401(k), pension, or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, you’ll need a special court order called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order—or QDRO—to divide those accounts without devastating tax penalties.

At Maven Law, we help families navigate divorce in Delaware with clarity and confidence. Here’s what you need to know about QDROs.

If you’re engaged and starting to plan your future, you may be wondering whether a prenuptial agreement is something you should have.

For many couples in Delaware, especially those getting married for the first time, the question is not about divorce. It is about clarity. A prenup allows you to decide in advance how finances would be handled if the marriage ever ended.

When pursuing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, choosing a local attorney like Melissa Green, Esq. can significantly improve the outcome of your case. As a highly experienced Delaware and Pennsylvania attorney, Melissa has an in-depth understanding of the specific practices and procedures of local Social Security offices, which can be crucial for navigating the complexities of these claims. She is well-versed in navigating regional nuances, from the local judges to the claims process, giving her clients an edge in securing approval.

Maven: “I don’t even know what mediation is.”