People

Justin A. DeVault helps individuals and families protect their legacies through comprehensive estate and tax planning. He works closely with clients at every stage of life to safeguard the assets they’ve worked hard to build while minimizing federal and state estate tax liabilities. With a clear and compassionate approach, Justin creates personalized estate plans that reflect each client’s unique goals and values.

Justin utilizes traditional estate planning documents such as Last Wills and Testaments, Revocable Trusts, Financial Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney and Living Will Declarations.  Whether preparing for the future or navigating the challenges of estate administration, clients rely on Justin for clarity, responsiveness and peace of mind.

In addition to traditional estate planning tools, Justin has extensive experience implementing advanced wealth transfer strategies for high-net-worth individuals and families. He regularly advises clients on sophisticated planning techniques, including Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), Dynasty Trusts, Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs) and Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs). For clients with closely held businesses or concentrated stock positions, he structures tax-efficient transfers involving Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), often leveraging Section 1202 exclusions and multi-trust “stacking” strategies to maximize tax benefits.

Justin works closely with financial advisors, CPAs and family offices to design and implement these complex strategies in alignment with the client’s broader financial and legacy goals. His proactive approach ensures not only tax efficiency, but also continuity, flexibility and asset protection for future generations.

Clients appreciate that Justin quickly responds to their questions and provides a sense of calm during times of turmoil. One client thanked Justin, saying:

“You were amazing with helping me get everything done and never seemed bothered with the number of questions I had! When everything in my life became an unknown, I really appreciated your quick responses – no matter the day or time.”

Justin also guides personal representatives, executors and trustees through the often complex and emotionally charged process of estate and trust administration. From preparing probate filings to estate tax returns, he provides clear, step-by-step support at every stage. Clients value his steady presence and ability to simplify overwhelming responsibilities during a time of grief, helping them move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Another client commented:

“This was quite a journey, and I know I could not have navigated through the legal and probate process without your help. I think the most helpful part was how you always listed, step by step, what I needed to do to complete certain phases of the overall process.”

Justin is frequently called upon to assist with the modification and modernization of irrevocable trusts. He has significant experience using trust decanting, nonjudicial settlement agreements (NJSAs) and court petitions to reform or modify irrevocable trusts in order to address changed circumstances, fix drafting errors or improve tax efficiency. Whether the goal is to update an outdated trust, adapt to evolving family dynamics or achieve greater flexibility in asset management, Justin’s deep understanding of law and strategic use of available legal tools allow him to craft practical, customized solutions that preserve the settlor’s intent while meeting beneficiaries’ current needs.

In the legal community, Justin plays an active leadership role, currently serving as Chair of the Estates and Trusts Section of the Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, and as a Member At-Large on the Council of the Maryland State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section, where he helps shape policy and practice standards for trust and estate professionals across the state.