Altman & Associates is recognized for its sophisticated estate planning practice, which focuses on the needs of high-net-worth clients, family-owned businesses, and families seeking estate planning. We work closely as part of a client-centered team with financial professionals, insurance, and others who provide comprehensive service to clients.
For over thirty years, the attorneys at Altman & Associates have been advising clients in estate, trust, probate, and special needs planning. We are dedicated to offering sophisticated, individualized estate services that span generations. We advise clients on business succession, charitable, estate, and gift tax planning, special needs planning, asset protection, fiduciary trust services, and litigation.
Our team of lawyers with a combined experience of over 100 years has extensive experience in the practice of trust and estates and includes membership in organizations like the Washington, DC estate planning council, the Maryland estate planning council, FPA, and NAIFA, and are licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Florida - Of Counsel. Our principal, Gary Altman, is a recognized authority in the Washington, D.C., area and a frequent speaker at these events.
Our Philosophy
Estate planning is personal. It requires open conversations about your finances, health, and family relationships. Navigating these choices requires more than legal expertise; it requires trust.
We earn your trust by listening, understanding, and respecting your needs from day one. We also collaborate with your existing financial and professional advisors to ensure your plan aligns with your broader financial goals.
A Lifelong Partnership
Estate planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time transaction. We do not usher you out the door once your legal documents are signed. We view you as a client for life.
Our firm stays in regular contact to review your family’s needs whenever tax laws change or new planning strategies emerge. Our goal is to build relationships that protect your family for generations to come.
Why Choose Us
The Altman & Associates team celebrated 30 years in business this Fall. There are plenty of other estate planning attorneys; however, here are a few reasons we hope you’ll choose us:
We love estate law.
That’s why it’s all we do. Rather than dabbling in various areas of law, our practice focuses exclusively on estate law. We get excited about coming to work every day because we genuinely love what we do! Throughout the firm, there is a great sense of pride in who we are and what we do, and at the center of this, people come first.
We are constantly honing our craft.
Laws are constantly changing. As attorneys, it is our duty to stay on top of the laws and the tools available to help us best navigate those laws on our clients’ behalf. Complacency has no place in our office. Our team stays ahead of the curve by staying abreast of legal news, regularly attending industry seminars and events, continuing to learn through advanced degrees, networking with our peers across the country, and listening to our clients.
We are a true team.
Working together creates a more enriching work environment and generates better results for our clients. We have fostered a culture in which all our employees, regardless of their title, feel valued, respected, and equal. Diversity of thought, culture, experience, and background makes Altman & Associates a more interesting place. (It also helps that we all love desserts and own dogs.)
We’re motivated by satisfied clients.
Awards and accolades are wonderful, and we are grateful when honored for our work – especially by our peers in the financial and estate planning communities. However, for us, the most gratifying recognition comes as a satisfied client. Receiving letters like this motivates us to work harder than the competition and to deliver excellence in all we do.
Our reach extends beyond the beltway.
For families whose homes, assets, and legacies span state lines, geographic boundaries shouldn't create legal obstacles. We know that modern life often involves connections across the country. Having attorneys with bar admissions in diverse jurisdictions allows us to seamlessly provide comprehensive estate planning and administration across a broader geographic area, simplifying the process so you need not engage multiple law firms. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in these states:
- Maryland
- Washington DC
- Virginia
- Ohio
- Texas
- New York
- Florida - Of Counsel
We believe in giving back.
Each day, in our line of work, we are reminded of the fragility of life. With that, we are also reminded of our many blessings – both as individuals and as a business. It is important to us that we honor our good fortune by making an impact beyond the office, giving of our time and resources to help our local communities. Our team rallies behind a wide range of charitable causes for organizations near and dear to our hearts, such as:
Working With Us
The Initial Consultation
Initial consultations last one hour for a fee of $500. If you hire us, this fee is applied toward your planning services. This consultation fee is waived for clients referred to us by friends, family, or financial advisors. We respect your time and aim to achieve a great deal during this first meeting. Together, we will:
- Listen closely to your goals
- Ask targeted questions
- Propose strategic solutions
- Define the next steps
- Answer all your questions
Setting Up an Appointment
To schedule a consultation, please contact us at 301-468-3220. Before your meeting, please fill out our Estate Planning Information Form. You can complete this online under the "Resources" tab of our website, or we can email or mail it to you.
Meeting Locations
Please let us know your preferred meeting location when booking. We offer five office locations:
- Rockville, MD
- Columbia, MD
- Washington, D.C.
- Tysons Corner, VA
- Vienna, VA
Note: Home visits can be scheduled for an additional fee. We will confirm your appointment via phone and email.
Language Accommodations
If you or your referral prefers to communicate in a language other than English, please let us know. We have multilingual team members ready to assist you.
Cancellation & Illness Policies
24-Hour Notice Required
With multiple attorneys serving clients across five locations, last-minute cancellations and no-shows impact our ability to serve others. We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Appointments canceled or missed within this 24-hour window may incur a cancellation fee.
Illness Policy & Fee Waivers
To maintain a healthy environment for our clients and staff, we offer a one-time fee waiver for sudden illnesses. Please call us to reschedule if you experience symptoms of an infection (such as a cold, flu, fever, coughing, or sneezing).
If you arrive at the office with visible symptoms of illness, you will be asked to reschedule.
Remote Consultations & Office Safety
If you have urgent time-sensitive concerns but cannot visit in person, we can conduct your meeting securely via phone or video conference. For those visiting our offices, we take extensive health precautions:
- Surfaces are sanitized regularly throughout the day.
- Hand sanitizer is stocked and available.
- Team members work from home if they feel unwell.
