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Thomas P Downs
also known as Tom Downs, Thomas Downs
About Thomas
Biography
I have a practice dedicated to helping people prepare for their eventual incapacity and/or death. In facing these realities of living, I help them write graceful transitions at these difficult times. It is planning their legacies.
In my prior practice, I did general law, and eventually concentrated in divorce law. With a divorce, I always felt that we started with a pie, and in the end their was less for everyone.
In Estate Planning, we start with a pie, and in the end, there is more for everyone.
I take pride in helping families navigate through difficult circumstances effectively and efficiently.
Stated, so well,
"Preparing for death is one of the most empowering things you can do.Thinking about death clarifies your life."
Candy Chang, "Before I die, I want to... " TED Talks July 2012
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Wills and Living Wills
34%
44 years | 4,000 cases
Probate
33%
44 years | 2,000 cases
Trusts
33%
30 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 42 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 43 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1982
No misconduct found
Location
The Downs Law Firm PC
322 Main Street, Suite 102, Laurel, MD, 20707-4129
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Thomas P Downs's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Lettie | July 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Wills & Living Wills
Satisfied client
I am so relieved to finally have my will in place. I was made comfortable with the process and everything went so smoothly. Mr. Downs and Rachael were professional and clear in making sure I was clear in what I wanted and what Maryland law specifies.
Posted by anonymous | June 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Trusts
TRUST DEVELOPMENT
Trusts are very difficult to comprehend for the average person. Unlike my previous Trust Lawyer, Mr. Downs and his staff were able to break this down in layman terms which enabled my wife and I to appreciate and understanding these complex decisions required for a Trust. Mr. Downs and his staff are ...
Posted by Maria | August 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Wills & Living Wills
Exceptional Service
Highly recommend Mr. Downs' firm. He and his team provided excellent service throughout our process in drafting our wills. Mr. Downs took the time to explain the entire process, answered our questions in a timely manner, and provided a thorough review of our will and associated documents. An importan...
Posted by Mary | August 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
They made it all so easy.
Everyone at the Downs Law Firm made our estate planning easy and uncomplicated. While drawing up a will is not the most pleasant process everything was handled in a respectful and understandable manner. The pandemic caused adjustments to the usual procedures and precautions were taken to make it as s...
Thomas P Downs's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He is professional, hardworking , and knowledgeable."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is excellent in his field."
"Tom is fantastic in estate planning. I trusted him with planning both the estates of my parents and my wife and me. In dealing with the death of my parents, I was so very grateful for Tom's work."
"Tom Downs is a trusted , capable and honest advocate in the field of Estate and Elder law."
"My client relied on Mr. Down's legal services in order to obtain a successful resolution to his case. Mr. Downs surpassed my client's expectations and he was a pleasure to work with. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2020
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Estate Planning Attorney, Downs Law Firm, P.C.
1991 - 1995
Associate Attorney, Chapdelaine & Davis
1986 - 1991
Associate Attorney, Stern & Connelly
1984 - 1986
Associate Attorney, Robert A. Ades & Associates
1982 - 1983
Law Clerk, Prince George's County Circuit Court
Associations
2015 - Present
ElderCounselMember
2007 - Present
WealthCounselMember
1998 - 1999
Prince George's County Bar Association, Elder Law SectionEstates and Trust Committee Past Chair
1995 - 2003
American Academy of Estate Planning AttorneysMember
1985 - 1986
Maryland State Bar AssociationYoung Lawyers Public Service Committee Past Chairman
Sample of Legal Cases
Estate of Jimason
The rightful heirs eventually recovered completely
Education
1981
University of Maryland School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
University of Maryland, College Park
BA Government and Politics
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers