At Frederick Legacy Law, we help families create clear, lasting plans for their future — with compassionate counsel, meticulous drafting, and deep roots in the Frederick community.
From simple wills to complex estate plans, we cover every aspect of protecting your family and your legacy.
Comprehensive plans tailored to your goals — including revocable trusts, asset protection strategies, and tax-efficient transfer structures.
Clearly drafted last wills and testaments, living trusts, and pour-over wills that reflect your exact wishes and hold up in court.
Guiding executors and beneficiaries through the probate process with clarity and efficiency, minimizing delays and disputes.
Compassionate representation in divorce, custody, separation agreements, and adoption matters with a focus on resolution.
Establishing legal guardianship for minors and adults, protecting vulnerable family members when they need it most.
Durable and healthcare powers of attorney that ensure your designated agents can act decisively on your behalf.
We believe estate planning and family law are some of the most personal decisions you'll ever make. Our approach is straightforward: we listen first, advise honestly, and draft with precision.
We've practiced in Frederick County for over two decades. We know the courts, the clerks, and the community — because this is our home too.
Most estate planning services are offered at transparent, fixed rates. No billing surprises, no unclear hours — just straightforward value.
You'll work directly with an attorney — not a paralegal or intake coordinator — from your first consultation through document execution.
Margaret Frederick has devoted her career to helping Maryland families navigate the most consequential legal decisions of their lives. After graduating with honors from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, she clerked for the Circuit Court for Frederick County before founding this firm in 1998.
She is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and has been recognized as a Maryland Super Lawyer in Estate Planning & Probate for seven consecutive years. But what matters most to her clients is simpler: she returns calls, explains things plainly, and cares about the outcome.
We've refined our process over 26 years to be clear, efficient, and respectful of your time.
Your free 30-minute consultation helps us understand your situation, your goals, and which services make sense for you — no commitment required.
We draft your documents with care, reviewing every detail together. You'll understand everything in your plan before you sign a single page.
Documents are executed, filed, and stored. We remain available for future questions, updates, and the inevitable changes life brings.
"Margaret walked us through every step with such patience. We finally feel at peace knowing our children are protected. She made something we'd been putting off for years feel completely manageable."
"When my father passed unexpectedly, I had no idea what to do. This firm guided our family through probate with compassion and professionalism. I could not have done it without them."
"Flat-fee pricing is real and they stick to it. My will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive were done in two weeks. Professional, affordable, and genuinely kind people."
Absolutely. Estate planning isn't about wealth — it's about clarity and care. Without a will, Maryland law decides who inherits your property and who raises your children. Even a basic plan ensures your wishes are followed, your family is protected, and the people you love aren't left with legal burdens during an already difficult time.
For straightforward wills and basic estate documents, the process typically takes two to three weeks from your initial consultation to execution. More complex trust structures or blended family situations may take four to six weeks. We'll give you a realistic timeline at your first meeting.
A will takes effect only after your death and must go through probate. A revocable living trust takes effect immediately, avoids probate, allows for private transfer of assets, and can include provisions for incapacity. Many clients benefit from both. We'll help you understand which approach, or combination, makes sense for your specific circumstances.
Yes, completely. Your 30-minute initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. It gives us a chance to understand your situation and give you a clear sense of what services you may need and what they would cost. We believe you should have enough information to make a confident decision before committing to anything.
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years, or after any major life event — marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, the death of a named beneficiary or executor, or a move to a different state. We offer plan review appointments for existing clients at a reduced fee.
Yes. While our preference is always to help families reach thoughtful, collaborative resolutions, we do represent clients in contested probate matters and estate disputes in the Circuit Court for Frederick County and throughout Maryland. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Whether you're ready to begin or just have questions, we're here. Your first call is always free.
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday: By appointment only
Evening appointments available on request