Baltimore, MD estates planning & probate attorney Jocelyn S. Szymanowksi talks about the developing trends in estate planning. She emphasizes that estate planning is constantly evolving due to the volatility of tax laws. Tax laws change regardless of which political party is in office, and as a result, estate planning strategies must adapt accordingly. When clients engage an attorney for estate planning, she ensures they receive guidance that both protects their assets and preserves their wealth while achieving their goals in compliance with current laws.

She also stresses the importance of flexibility. An estate plan is not drafted for immediate use alone; it must be designed to address future needs as circumstances change. Life is unpredictable—medical emergencies, changes in personal circumstances, and shifts in federal or state tax laws cannot be controlled. What clients can control, however, is the effectiveness of their estate planning.

By preparing and providing a comprehensive and adaptive estate plan, she helps clients maximize planning opportunities that arise from legal and tax law volatility. Conversely, an inefficient or outdated estate plan can expose clients to unnecessary risks, particularly when tax laws shift, underscoring the importance of proactive and strategic planning.