Tara K. Frame
Top rated Estate Planning & Probate attorney in Annapolis, Maryland
Frame & Frame, LLC
Practice areas: Estate Planning & Probate, Elder Law; view more
Licensed in Maryland since: 1994
Education: University of Baltimore School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2026 Call today:
410-941-2635
Virtual Appointments 
Free Consultation Frame & Frame, LLC
234 West StAnnapolis, MD 21401 Visit website
Details
As the Managing Partner at Frame & Frame, LLC, Tara K. Frame focuses her practice primarily on estate planning, elder law and probate/estate administration. The firm has four office locations in Maryland including Annapolis, Mount Airy, Pasadena, and Stevensville. This allows her and her team of attorneys to represent clients throughout Maryland. For over 70 years, the firm has been serving their community and meeting the legal needs of a diverse group of clientele.
In her estate planning practice, Ms. Frame assists clients of all ages with the preparation and review of living and revocable trusts, wills, advance medical directives, health care directives, and financial powers of attorney. She tailors each plan and their individual components to the objectives and circumstances of a particular client, including the protection and preservation of assets and the minimization of estate taxes. Ms. Frame has also helped heirs and beneficiaries navigate what can often be a complicated and lengthy probate process.
Ms. Frame also works with elderly clients and their family members in addressing issues of concern to them. She provides advice and counsel on long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, estate tax planning, family trusts and probate. When necessary and appropriate, Ms. Frame and her team can evaluate guardianship proceedings and how they apply to elderly people with mental or physical impairments who can no longer manage their own affairs.
Held in high regard by her colleagues, Ms. Frame has received a 10.0 “Superb” peer review rating through Avvo and many other honors and awards. In 2019, she was awarded the SBA of Maryland award for Maryland Attorney Advocate of the Year. She is a 1991 recipient of a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University and a 1994 cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law. She is also a consistent, multiple year recipient of the SuperLawyers designation.
OFFICE LOCATIONS
234 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
(appointment only)
8562 Fort Smallwood Road
Pasadena, MD 21122
(Main Office)
1311 South Main Street, Unit #302A
Mt Airy, MD 21771
(appointment only)
721 Main Street
Stevensville, MD 21666
(appointment only)
Practice areas
Estate Planning & Probate, Elder LawFocus areas
Estate Planning, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Living Wills, Power of Attorney, Probate & Estate Administration, Trusts, Wills
- 60% Estate Planning & Probate
- 40% Elder Law
First Admitted: 1994, Maryland
Professional Webpage: https://frameandframe.com/firm-overview/tara-k-frame/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA)
- Maryland Attorney Advocate of the Year Award by the Maryland SBA
- Maryland State Bar Association Anne Arundel Bar Association
- Thrive Arundel Business Communities
- U.S. District Court District of Maryland, 1995
- Pasadena Business Association
- Maryland, 1994
- Anne Arundel Bar Association
Videos
- For over 65 years, we have served the needs of our local community. We believe in helping people with thoughtful planning, guidance during times of crisis, and creating a clear path for life's legal journeys. We do this by providing a very personalized approach to legal issues by listening to your story and creating unique solutions to take the weight off your shoulders. Our primary core practice areas are: Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts & Estates) Probate Elder Law - Long Term Care Planning & Medicaid Planning We provide a very approach to the very personal nature of these aspects of legal services. The relationships we develop often last a lifetime, because we are entrusted to serve you and your family for generations to come. Contact us to get started or schedule a call or virtual meeting on our website: www.FrameAndFrame.com, Meet the Attorneys at Frame & Frame, 2020
- Meet the estate planning attorneys at Frame & Frame with four offices in Maryland including Annapolis, Pasadena, Stevensville and Mt. Airy, Maryland and learn more about the firms' 70 year history., FAQs Estate Planning, 2025
Pro bono / Community Service
- Tara Frame, Managing Partner of the Firm, reflects on her firms’ history and traditions, “It’s an honor to be recognized for the Maryland Attorney Advocate award. We are considered the local lawyer for families and businesses, with a 70 year history of service to our community. We continue to serve many of generations of the same family as a legal guide during times of family crisis.” Each year, the Small Business Administration recognizes the achievements of small businesses and advocates from across Maryland. The stories shared at the event are inspiring personal accounts of their entrepreneurial journey. The event was attended by over 400 guests and hosted by Martins West. Jennifer Gilbert, Anchor at Fox 45 News, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. The Advocate of the Year award is presented to a lawyer who has contributed to a better economic and financial climate. It is a true honor to be recognized!, 2019
Educational Background
- Johns Hopkins University, B.A, 1991
White Papers
- In the Estate Planning Essentials Guide, we address common misconceptions about estate planning like: Misconception #1: They believe that working with an estate planner is expensive; Misconception #2: They think that a will is adequate to meet the needs of them and their family; Misconception #3: They think that their family members will behave amicably and will sort out the estate by themselves without legal guidance; and Misconception #4: They believe that they do not have enough assets to make estate planning worthwhile. These misconceptions often leave family members with difficult and sometimes, controversial decisions. Estate planning allows you to consider these decisions, long before an illness or injury occurs, so that there is clear direction for your family, and your wishes are carried out, exactly as you intended., Guide to Estate Planning Essentials, 2024
- Download the free legal guide to Probate in Maryland and learn what you need to know about opening an estate in Maryland’s probate courts. In this guide, you’ll learn about the estate administration process and what you need to know about the probate process in Maryland, including: What is the probate process in Maryland? Do you need probate if you have a will? What are considered non-probate assets? What are the duties of a Personal Representative? What information do you need to gather to open an estate? How do you determine the value of an estate? How long does the probate process take? 15 common mistakes to avoid, Guide to Probate in Maryland, 2026
- The Annual Estate Planning Checklist is a planning resource that every family should consider each year. It’s an easy way to ensure that, in the event of any unforeseen circumstances, your wishes will be carried out. It can also be a great way to start the conversation with family members about sensitive subjects. For example, will your loved ones have the proper legal documents to handle issues that may arise if there is a health care crisis, diagnosis of a long-term illness like Alzheimers or Parkinsons, or sudden accident? If a loved one passes away, does the family or estate planning attorney have the required legal documentation to ensure that taxes are minimized and assets can quickly pass through the probate process in Maryland? Download the guide and take 5 minutes to go through the checklist and evaluate any changes to your life and family circumstances. If you have questions, we are always here to help., Annual Estate Planning Checklist, 2026
- WILL YOUR LIFE-SAVINGS & CHILDREN’S INHERITANCE BE SPENT ON LONG-TERM CARE? As we get older, more than 70% of seniors will require some form of long-term care. The median cost of skilled nursing home care in Maryland is nearly $10,000 per month. And, unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the costs associated with long-term care services. These costs can quickly diminish a life time of savings. That’s why long-term care and Medicaid Planning is key. Thinking about the need for long-term care may be uncomfortable. Thinking about how you are going to pay for it can be even more unsettling. This guide shows you strategies for long-term care, Medicaid planning, and other tools and legal instruments that can help you avoid any crisis. MEDICAID VS. MEDICARE As part of Medicaid planning, we address the Medicaid five year lookback requirement so that, if you are in crisis, we can provide strategies to help you qualify for Medicaid services and address your future needs. In this guide, we discuss the options for long-term care and Medicaid planning and answer questions like:What is the Medicaid 5-year look back requirement?Is Estate Planning the same as Long-Term Care Planning?How can I provide for a spouse or partner and the lifestyle they’re accustomed to?How can I obtain long term care services while preserving family assets?Will you be eligible for Medicaid?Will your savings and/or family’s inheritance have to be spent?FOR ADULT CHILDREN WITH SENIOR PARENTS As your parents mature into their senior years, the family dynamics are changing too. For so many years, they have nurtured and cared for you, and now the tables are beginning to turn. While this dynamic is constantly changing, there are conversations and considerations that can make these transitions easier for all family members involved. But, there are some pretty big questions that we commonly hear:We can’t afford $10,000/mo for long term care. How will my family pay for long-term care costs?Will mom or dad (the healthy or surviving spouse) have enough to live on?Will all of my parent’s life savings (my inheritance) be spent on medical bills? These are important questions, but many families do not have these conversations until there is a health crisis. More importantly, many families don’t understand that an estate plan does not typically address the specific concerns associated with long term care costs (refer to the checklist on page 11). ESTATE PLANNING IS NOT LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING An estate plan only addresses the estate or assets, after death. Long-term care planning ensures that the estate (and a person’s life savings) is not completely exhausted by long-term care costs, while they are living. The good news is that there is a lot that can be done, years ahead of time, to ensure that the spouse, children, and assets are protected from the costs of long term care. You can begin the conversation with this free legal guide to help ensure that all members of the family understand the impact of long-term care on family assets., Guide to Long Term Care & Medicaid Planning, 2021
- Navigating the complex world of guardianship in Maryland can be a daunting task. Whether you are seeking to become a guardian for a loved one or are concerned about your own future, understanding the legal intricacies and requirements is essential. This guide will help you delve into the significance of guardianship in Maryland and explore the reasons why having an attorney by your side throughout this process is crucial. In this free guide, you’ll learn about the guardianship process in Maryland and what you need to know, including: What are the situations that are typically appropriate for guardianship? Why adults with disabilities can benefit from a guardianship How to protect vulnerable individuals Understanding legal standards and procedures for Guardianship How an attorney can assist with Guardianship How An Attorney Can Help While it is technically possible to navigate the guardianship process in Maryland without an attorney, it is not advisable since Maryland requires strict compliance with court rules and procedures. The guide also explains the 4 main ways that an attorney can be an invaluable guide for this process. Download the free legal guide to Guardianship in Maryland and learn what you need to know. If you have more questions, or wish to schedule a private consultation, we can help! Schedule a call now!, Guardianship in Maryland, 2025
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- This article addresses the Frequent Asked Question "Do I need a will if I already have named beneficiaries on my accounts?”, Do I Need a Will If I Have Beneficiaries? A Maryland Estate Planning Guide, 2025
- This article addresses the Frequent Asked Question regarding a Living Will vs Power of Attorney: Understanding the Difference in Maryland, Living Will vs Power of Attorney: Understanding the Difference in Maryland, 2025
Other Outstanding Achievements
- SuperLawyer Designation
- SuperLawyer Designation, 2020
- The Maryland SBA recognized Tara Frame as the Maryland Attorney Advocate of the Year. Each year, the Small Business Administration recognizes the achievements of small businesses and advocates from across Maryland. The stories shared at the event are inspiring personal accounts of their entrepreneurial journey. The event was attended by over 400 guests and hosted by Martins West. Jennifer Gilbert, Anchor at Fox 45 News, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. The Advocate of the Year award is presented to an individual who has contributed as lawyers to a better economic and financial climate. Tara Frame, Managing Partner of the Firm, reflects on her firms’ history and traditions, “It’s an honor to be recognized for this award. We are considered the local lawyer for families and businesses, with a 65 year history of service to our community. We continue to serve many of the same families and local businesses today that we have served for generations.”, 2019
Honors
- Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
- Award for Attorney Advocate of the Year by the Maryland Small Business Administration, Attorney Advocate of the Year, Maryland Small Business Administration, 2019
- Voted Leading Lawyer by attorneys in Anne Arundel County and Eastern Shore, Leading Lawyer, What's Up Annapolis and What's Up Eastern Shore, 2018
- Voted Leading Lawyer by fellow attorneys in Anne Arundel County and Eastern Shore, Leading Lawyer, What's Up Annapolis and What's Up Eastern Shore, 2017
Selections
7 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2026
