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Gerald K. Gimmel
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Gerald K. Gimmel
Gimmel, Weiman, Ersek, Blomberg & Lewis, PA
4 Professional Drive
Suite 145
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Phone: (301) 840-8565 | Fax: (301) 590-9784
http://www.gweblaw.com
http://www.yourdivorcelawyers.com
Working with clients to achieve practical results.
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Estate planning, elder law, probate.
Sub-Categories
Wills, Trusts & Estates
- Nolo Document Review
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Credit Unions
- Savings & Thrifts
- Annuities
- Life Insurance
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Income Taxes
- IRS Filing & Compliance
- Power of Attorney
- Property Taxes
- Sales Taxes & Use Taxes
- Tax Planning
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
- Asset Protection
- Guardianship
- Power of Attorney
- Business Succession Planning
- Special Needs Trust
- Supplemental Needs Trust
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
Estate planning, elder law, probate.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Farms & Ranches
- Commercial Leasing
- Mortgages & Foreclosures
- Liquor Licenses
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Franchising
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Shareholders' Rights
- Property Taxes (Ad Valorem Taxes)
- Sales Taxes
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Franchises
- Lemon Law
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Warranties
- Commercial Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Construction Disputes
- Government Construction Contracts
- Mechanics' Liens
- Art
- Communication & Media
- Gaming
- Internet
- Music
- Sports
- Tourism, Travel, & Leisure
- Film
- Literary Arts
- Publishing
- Television
- Annuities
- Bad Faith
- Casualty Insurance
- Commercial Insurance
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Errors & Omissions
- Fidelity, Guarantee, & Surety
- Health Insurance
- Insurance Subrogation
- Life Insurance
- Motor Vehicle Insurance
- Property Insurance
- Computer Crimes
- Computer Law
- Digital Signatures
- Domain Names
- Electronic Commerce
- Identity Theft
- Spam
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
- Judgments
- Locating Funds
- Consumer Class Actions
- Credit Report Problems
- Debt Collection/Relief/Harassment
- Foreclosures
- Frauds, Scams, Hoaxes
- Identity Theft
- Repossessions
- Student Loans
- Truth in Lending
Bar Admissions
MD, May 1969
Bar Number: 196905010003
DC, Jan 1968
Other Court Admissions
Maryland and District of Columbia.
Association Memberships
District of Columbia, Maryland and Montgomery County Bar Associations, and Member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of estate planning, tax planning and probate.
Example Cases
The son of a long-time client called to advise that Dad was not doing well. He asked if there was anything that could be done to minimize taxes and whether everything was up-to-date.
A review of the file revealed that everything was up-to-date. After reviewing a recent financial statement provided by the son, we determined that approximately $50,000 in estate taxes would be due at Dad's death.
Because of the opportunity to deal with issues while Dad was still competent, we were able to eliminate all estate tax obligations and save the $50,000 for the family.
***************
An elderly man called our office, distressed because his wife was extremely ill and they had not implemented any estate planning. The Federal tax laws at that time would have created a Federal Estate Tax upon the second death of over $500,000.
By quickly evaluating the situation, assisting the client in dividing the estate ownership so he and his wife each owned one-half of their total combined estate, and creating a will containing a disclaimer trust, the estate saved half a million dollars. Sadly, the wife passed away two days after signing the will. Their only son will now be able to inherit from his parents their entire legacy without paying Federal estate taxes.
***************
Often, we have been able to assist clients in protecting their assets when special scenarios are present. Special needs children require their families to institute estate planning concepts to protect assets while providing for their children after they are gone.
There are other scenarios where many clients do not realize that estate planning can assist beneficiaries who have issues with addiction, abusive or unstable relationships, financial challenges, or mental illness.
By meeting with clients and finding out their concerns and wishes, estate planning tools can be used to tailor their documents and structure their assets in such a way as to preserve family wealth and make a difference in the lives of those they care about without losing control of the bequests.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Georgetown University Law School
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Year:
1967
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
William & Mary College
City:
Williamsburg
State:
VA
Year:
1964
Number of Attorneys
4
State Licensed In
Maryland and District of Columbia.
Firm Focus and History
The firm focuses on estate planning, probate, business formation and corporate law. There are also attorneys who practice in the areas of family law, personal injury and civil litigation, criminal/traffic.
Our firm traces its beginning to Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 1973, and has focused on serving the needs of local families and businesses. I have been involved in estate planning the entire time, and over the years we have added attorneys who provide other legal services that our clients need.
Previous Employment Summary
I opened a solo office in Gaithersburg in 1973 and have been here since, serving the needs of Montgomery County residents and their businesses.
Activities and Awards
AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Named Super Lawyer in the field of Estate Planning and Probate by Law and Politics Magazine for Maryland and the Washington, D.C. Metro Area, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is my belief that clients should understand the basic concepts of the area of law that our firm will assist them with. However, a client is paying for expertise we have developed over years of practicing law. Every client should have as much knowledge as possible to make the best choices for their particular issue.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Clients may bring documents for my review at no charge. If, in my opinion, the documents do not accomplish what the clients have expressed to me to be their desires, we will not execute the documents for the clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
In the area of probate law, I will assist clients in their duties as Personal Representative. If there is conflict in the case, it is my strong recommendation that the clients secure legal representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I liked the idea of helping people solve problems. I was also intrigued with the mental discipline and challenges of the law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Having more than 40 years in this field allows me to use the experiences of one client to help another client. The experience of having handled the probate of estates and helping businesses with their issues gives me perspective on the problems clients bring and the effectiveness of possible solutions to those problems. Having an understanding of the process from writing the will to probating the estate provides a perspective that can assist clients in possible costly issues.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy working directly with the clients and helping them design an estate plan that meets their legal, emotional, tax, and practical needs. This is accomplished in the context of writing the will or trust and is included in that fee.
What do you like best about your career?
The field of estate planning has enabled me to meet a variety of people and to assist many, from those with small estates to estates of several million dollars. The planning that is involved to save on taxes and to structure estates to maximize benefits to our clients keeps this career interesting.
Tell us about your law firm:
The attorneys in the firm share a similar philosophy of high standards and ethics. The staff have all been at the firm for more than five years, some being here over twenty years. My paralegals work closely with our clients and are well-versed in the law. My secretary has been with me for nine years and we work well as a team. Her greatest strength is her style with the clients and her ability to assist them in making this process as easy as possible.
What are your strengths and style?
My styles are assessing a big picture view of a client's needs quickly, and then communicating to the client what needs to be completed in order to achieve those goals in a succinct and clear manner. One of my strengths is my ability to work with the elderly or the young, providing the client with the information needed in such a way that they can understand the issues easily and so that decisions are easier to make.
Personal Interests:
Sports, reading books, eating great food in Hudson, New York, at Swoon Kitchenbar.
Office Manager/Assistant
Abby
Fax
(301) 590-9784
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Occasionally on Saturday mornings.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Last Will and Testament - $400
General Durable Power of Attorney - $100
Advance Medical Directive - $100
Revocable Trust - $1,000
There may be additional charges for wills or trusts if there are issues that require more sophisticated handling.
Hourly Rates
$325.
Free Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation is free for estate planning and probate.
Typical Retainer
No.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
