Justin A. DeVault works closely with clients throughout the various stages of their lives to help them preserve wealth for future generations. He uses comprehensive estate and tax planning strategies to protect the assets they have worked hard to accumulate, while minimizing federal and state estate tax liability.
Using planning devices such as Last Wills and Testaments, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, Financial Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney and Living Will Declarations, Justin works with individuals and families to carefully craft estate plans tailored to each client’s specific needs.
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 all aspects of the estate and trust administration processes. This often includes the preparation of probate filings, resolution of estate and trust disputes, including using non-judicial settlement agreements to resolve matters involving trusts, and the preparation of federal and state estate tax returns. Justin’s thorough approach to these matters provides comfort to his clients, relieving much of the emotional burden that follows the death of a loved one. 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 speak at estate planning seminars and workshops, including Montgomery College’s Personal Finance Academy courses related to estate planning. In the legal community, he chairs the Estates and Trusts Section of the Bar Association of Montgomery County, MD and he serves on the Legislative Committee of the Maryland State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section.
Professional & Community Affiliations
- Bar Association of Montgomery County, MD, Estates and Trusts Section, Chair
- Bar Association of Montgomery County Leadership Development Academy, 2017-2018, Fellow
- Maryland State Bar Association, Estates and Trusts Section, Member
- Washington, DC, Estate Planning Council, Member
Recognition
- Best Lawyers Ones to Watch, 2023-2025
- Maryland Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2022-2024