Thoughtful Planning. Clear Communication. Real Connection.
Estate planning is personal work. It’s about more than documents — it’s about conversations, decisions, and the people you care about.
That’s why our approach is built on clarity, trust, and respect for your time.
When you work with us, you’ll never feel rushed or talked over. We’ll explain every step in plain English, answer your questions, and guide you through decisions so you leave feeling confident and understood — not overwhelmed.
Rebecca Wyatt, Attorney — Estate Planning and Administration
Rebecca focuses her practice on helping Maryland families create estate plans that are practical, personal, and complete. With experience in estate planning and administration, she combines technical skill with a down-to-earth approach that clients appreciate.
Her goal in every case is to make responsible planning feel approachable — to take complex legal issues and translate them into clear, actionable decisions that make sense for your life.
Rebecca often works with clients who are:
- Building or updating their first estate plan
- Caring for aging parents or navigating probate
- Managing real estate, inheritance, or business assets within a family context
Outside of work, she’s an active part of the Towson community and a proud advocate for accessible, compassionate legal services.
The Strength of a Full-Service Firm — With the Care of a Small Practice.
As part of Smith, Gildea & Schmidt’s multidisciplinary firm, our Estates & Trusts team works hand-in-hand with colleagues in real estate, business, tax, and litigation.
That collaboration means your plan is comprehensive, coordinated, and ready for whatever life brings.
You’ll get the attention of a small practice, backed by the depth and resources of an established Maryland law firm.
Stephen J. Nolan— Trust, Estate and Fiduciary Litigation
Stephen J. Nolan is a highly respected trial attorney with more than four decades of courtroom experience, bringing seasoned advocacy and insight to complex estates, trusts and fiduciary litigation. As part of Smith, Gildea & Schmidt’s Estates & Trusts team, Steve’s practice includes breach of fiduciary duty claims involving the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, the prosecution and defense of will contests, and litigation arising from abuses of fiduciary authority by agents, trustees, and other fiduciaries.
Steve’s also practices in the areas of business litigation, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death claims, representing clients in Maryland state and federal courts.
Steve became Of Counsel to Smith, Gildea & Schmidt in 2018. For more than 30 years, he has earned The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers’ highest peer-review distinction, the AV® Preeminent™ rating . He is the recipient of awards from the Maryland Bar Foundation, the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, the Baltimore County Bar Association, The Daily Record, and the American Lung Association.
Experience You Can Rely On
The Estates and Trusts team provides comprehensive counsel in estate planning, trust and estate administration, and related litigation. With a focus on precision, responsiveness, and client service, we help clients protect their assets, honor their intentions, and navigate complex legal matters with confidence.
Liana Thrappas, Paralegal
Liana is the dedeciated paralegal in the Estates & Trusts practice at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt. She works closely with attorneys to support clients through estate planning, estate administration, and trust administration matters, helping ensure that each matter is handled with care, organization, and attention to detail.
Liana assists with the preparation of estate planning documents, probate and trust administration filings, and client communications, and plays an important role in keeping matters moving efficiently during what can often be a sensitive and emotional time for clients.
She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in Marketing and International Business. Liana plans to attend law school and is committed to continuing her professional development in the legal field.
Outside of the office, Liana enjoys trying new foods and exploring new places.
Estates & Trusts Practice Areas
