Estate planning for families in Maryland, Virginia and DC
A Different Way to Plan
Our approach focuses on people, not just paperwork.
Estate planning should be more than documents and legal terms. Our approach is centered on understanding your family, your values, and what truly matters to you, so your plan reflects your life and legacy.
Clara AI guide
Capital Legacy Counseling's AI guide. General information, never legal advice.
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A 90 second film
Four moments that make planning feel urgent
A new baby. A parent's hard diagnosis. A business with no plan for who takes over. An estate to settle. The film walks through each one, then the firm's four steps and the free first meeting.
Captions are on. Press play to watch with sound.
The film could not load here. Please try again later.Why families plan
Protecting the people you love
Choose Who Raises Your Children
Without a clear legal plan, courts may decide who cares for your children. Guardianship planning allows you to choose trusted individuals who will raise your children according to your wishes.
Know more Secure your family's future with thoughtful estate planningPlan Beyond Today
Estate planning helps you organize your assets, protect your loved ones, and ensure your wishes are carried out. A well structured plan brings clarity, security, and peace of mind for generations.
Know more Ensure trusted people can make decisions for youPrepare for the Unexpected
If illness or injury prevents you from making decisions, incapacity planning ensures the right individuals can handle your healthcare and financial matters according to your preferences.
Know more Share your story, values and life lessonsPreserve What Matters Most
Legacy preservation allows you to capture your memories, wisdom, and values so future generations can stay connected to your story and continue what matters most to you.
Know more More than assets leave a meaningful legacyA Legacy That Lives On
Your legacy is more than financial wealth. By documenting your experiences and values, you create a lasting connection that helps guide and inspire future generations.
Know moreServices
Our Strategic Services
From comprehensive estate planning and asset protection to legacy preservation, we guide families through thoughtful decisions that safeguard their future.
Wills & Trusts
Organize your assets, protect your loved ones, and make sure your wishes are carried out.
Read moreGuardians for Your Children
Appoint guardians who share your values and care.
Read morePowers of Attorney & Health Care Directives
Make sure trusted people can make decisions for you if you cannot.
Read moreAsset Protection
Safeguard your wealth with proactive legal strategies designed to minimize risk.
Read moreLegacy Preservation
Preserve your values, wealth, and life stories for future generations.
Read moreRetirement & Financial Planning
A future ready roadmap for stability, income continuity, and long-term peace of mind.
Read moreTax Planning
Tax strategies that preserve wealth and the value passed to your beneficiaries.
Read moreSpecial Needs Planning
Long-term financial security and care for loved ones with special needs.
Read moreBusiness Succession Planning
A smooth transition of business ownership, with strategies that protect continuity.
Read morePlanning for Long-Term Care
Prepare for future care needs while protecting the resources you have built.
Read moreGuardianship & Conservatorship Support
Legal authority and care for loved ones who can no longer manage their own affairs.
Read moreTrust & Estate Administration
Guidance for families, executors, and trustees through probate and administration.
Read moreOur approach
Four steps, with you throughout
From the first conversation to your family's secure future. Tap a step to read what happens in it.
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Our process begins with understanding your unique situation, family dynamics, and long-term goals. During the discovery phase, we take the time to learn what matters most to you.
We also guide you through the estate planning process, explaining the available planning tools and legal strategies in clear language so you can make confident decisions.
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After understanding your needs, we design a customized strategy tailored to your financial situation, family structure, and long-term objectives.
This step focuses on building a comprehensive plan that protects your assets, supports your loved ones, and ensures your wishes are carried out as intended.
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Once your strategy is finalized, we prepare the necessary legal documents and ensure they are properly executed.
Our team carefully structures every document so your estate plan works effectively and protects your family when it matters most.
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Estate planning is not a one-time event. As your life changes, your plan should evolve as well. Through our ongoing support services, we help review and update your plan when necessary.
Our annual service package allows us to monitor changes in federal and state laws, so your estate plan stays aligned with current legal requirements.
Who we serve
Every family is different
- Young FamiliesProtect your family, provide for your children, and build a secure foundation early.
- Special Needs FamiliesFinancial protection, access to important resources, and a clear structure for care as circumstances change.
- High-Net-Worth Individuals & FamiliesPersonalized strategies that safeguard financial success and continuity across generations.
- Retirement & Legacy YearsMake savings last, protect your assets, and create a clear legacy plan.
- Empty NestersWith children now independent, a good time to revisit estate plans and retirement goals.
- ProfessionalsAttorneys, financial advisors and accountants who work with us on shared clients.
About us
We're more than planners, we're legacy partners.
At Capital Legacy Counseling, we believe every estate plan should be as unique as the story behind it. With compassion at our core and clarity in our process, we walk with you from the first conversation to your family's secure future.
We believe estate planning is about more than legal documents. It is about protecting the people you love and preparing for life's unexpected moments with confidence and clarity. Every family is different, and your plan should reflect your unique priorities, values, and long-term goals.
Most importantly, we aim to remove uncertainty. With a clear plan in place, your loved ones are protected from confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: supporting one another and moving forward with confidence.
Attorney
Ruby Kuklov, Esq.
Estate Planning & Business Attorney
Ruby Kuklov is an estate planning and business attorney licensed in Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. She focuses on creating clear, personalized estate plans and guiding families through trusts, wills, and real property planning.
With prior experience in major law firms, public sector organizations, and corporate finance roles, she brings a blend of legal, financial, and operational experience to her practice. Ruby is known for explaining complex legal and tax issues in a simple, supportive way, helping clients feel confident and informed throughout the estate planning process.
Outside of work, Ruby enjoys traveling, volleyball, and spending time with her four children and extended family.
- J.D., Catholic University
- Executive Master's in Leadership, Georgetown University
- B.B.A., James Madison University
ruby@capitallegacycounseling.com
The team
- Reem Ali, Esq.Trusts & Estates Attorney. Licensed in Texas and Massachusetts, DC admission pending. J.D., University of Texas School of Law; LL.M. in Taxation, Georgetown University Law Center
- Karina Rodriguez-Weisson, M.S., B.S.Director of Client Engagement & Paralegal
- Zein WahdanIntern, Client Engagement & Strategy Associate
- Angela LuIntern, Legal Research & Client Support Associate
Start here
A free 30 minute meeting
Every plan starts with a conversation about your family, what you own, and what matters to you. The first meeting is free and takes 30 minutes, online, by phone, or by appointment at the Rockville office. Nothing is signed at that meeting.
What the booking form asks
- Have you created a will or trust before?Yes, but it needs to be updated. Or no, I haven't started yet.
- What prompted your interest?Protecting my children or family, avoiding probate, reducing taxes, managing real estate or business assets, or something else.
- When are you hoping to have your plan completed?Within 30 days, within 3 months, or just exploring for now.
Plus a date, a time, your time zone and how you prefer to be contacted.
Free seminars
Learn first, at your library
The firm runs free estate planning seminars at public libraries in Montgomery County and Prince William County, and a monthly online session on the 30th at 8 PM on Google Meet.
Libraries the firm has visited
Quince Orchard Library, Gaithersburg, Rockville Memorial Library, Potomac Library, Bull Run Regional Library, Manassas, Dumfries Neighborhood Library, Chinn Park Regional Library, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge Library, Woodbridge.
Partners include Montgomery County Public Libraries and Prince William Public Libraries.