Publications and Presentations

Offit Kurman Attorney Lee Carpenter to Present at the University System of Maryland Wills Week Virtual Conference

October 3, 2024
Offit Kurman Attorney Lee Carpenter to Present at the University System of Maryland Wills Week Virtual Conference

Offit Kurman attorney Lee Carpenter will present “LGBTQ Estate Planning” at the University System of Maryland's Wills Week Virtual Conference on Friday, October 25, 2024. This event is part of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of estate planning.

Lee Carpenter’s session will address LGBTQ estate planning, a vital but often overlooked area. Lee will explore the unique legal concerns of same-sex couples and the broader LGBTQ community, discussing how Maryland's new domestic partnership registry and other legal options can provide peace of mind. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of wills, trusts, and essential planning tools tailored to their needs.

Carpenter’s presentation will offer insights into:

  • Ensuring your wishes are carried out: Properly outline how assets are distributed and who will care for dependents if you are unable to do so.
  • Avoiding family disputes: Learn how to minimize potential conflicts with clear communication.
  • Appointing financial and healthcare proxies: Implement measures to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if needed.
  • Special circumstances: Planning for unique family structures, including same-sex couples and blended families.

With an estimated 67% of Americans lacking an estate plan, Wills Week seeks to provide accessible, expert-led guidance to help individuals take control of their future. Over five free webinars, participants will learn about the critical legal documents necessary to ensure their wishes are respected and their loved ones are protected. This conference is a must-attend for anyone seeking to secure their financial future and protect their loved ones.

For more information and to register, visit Wills Week Conference - USM Foundation.

Related People

Related Services

Firm Highlights

  • Podcasts
    Artful Donations: Exploring Museum Exchange
    In this episode of The Legal Canvas, host Caryn Keppler welcomes Robert Wainstein and Michael Darling, co-founders of Museum Exchange, the first digital platform dedicated to facilitating art donations to museums and nonprofit institutions across North America. Together, they explore how technology is transforming the way collectors, artists, estates, and cultural organizations connect through charitable giving. Robert and Michael explain the inspiration behind Museum Exchange, the challenges they set out to solve, and how the platform has grown into a network of more than 400 museums. They walk listeners through the donation process—from evaluating artwork and matching donors with institutions to handling logistics, documentation, and tax considerations. Along the way, they discuss the realities of museum collecting, why many donations are declined, and how thoughtful placements can help preserve artists' legacies while expanding access to important works of art. The conversation also explores Museum Exchange's work with living artists, artist estates, hospitals, universities, and smaller regional museums, as well as the launch of the Charis Foundation for the Arts, a nonprofit designed to steward significant collections before placing them with institutions that can best benefit from them. Robert and Michael conclude by sharing their vision for the future of charitable art transactions and how Museum Exchange is helping reshape philanthropy in the arts for generations to come.