O'Brien, Matthew D.

Mr. O'Brien is a shareholder in the Trust and Estate Group. He is counsel to many individuals and families, representing them with respect to estate planning and business planning matters. Mr. O'Brien also assists in the administration of estates and trusts, including the handling of probate. He helps to resolves disputed matters related to trusts and estates, including litigation regarding the validity and constructions of wills, tax controversies, and recovery of estate assets. Mr. O'Brien is regularly appointed by courts as special auditor, successor personal representative, and attorney for minors or disabled persons to assist in complex proceedings. Mr. O'Brien is a C.P.A.

Recent Experience Includes Representation Of:

• Arguments before Maryland Court of Appeals and Special Appeals in cases involving estate issues, including a recent argument before the Court of Appeals which resulted in a clarification of the jurisdiction and remedial powers of Maryland probate courts.
• Appointments by probate court as successor personal representative to seek recovery of funds misappropriated by former personal representatives and to prosecute fiduciary bonds.
• Preparation of estate plans in accordance with the clients' objectives and in a tax-advantageous manner and preparation of the necessary documents to effectuate the estate plans including wills; revocable "living" trust agreements; and irrevocable insurance trusts.

Establishment of special needs trusts to preserve the assets of disabled individuals.