Category Archives: Probate
Does the Probate Attorney Represent the Personal Representative or the Estate Heirs?
Whether you are the Personal Representative or an heir of the probate estate, knowing the role of a probate attorney is one of the first steps you should take at the beginning of the probate process. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the estate is understanding who the probate attorney hired… Read More »
Yes, Nosy Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate Case!
Most people think of probate (the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property) as a private process. However, because wills are filed at the courthouse (in Maryland, Wills are filed with the Register of Wills and In the District of Columbia, Wills are filed with the Probate Division for… Read More »
My Trust is Signed, No Probate for My Family Right?
Planning ahead has obvious benefits. Whether you’re planning a vacation or researching for a job interview, it’s always smart to outline your priorities and anticipate potential challenges that may arise. Planning your estate has similar benefits. With plans clearly established, your wealth and assets are protected should you pass away or become incapacitated. It’s… Read More »
Avoid Living Probate: How to Keep Guardians and Conservators Out of Your Estate (UPDATED: May 2019)
While most proactive individuals know the importance of having a well-rounded estate plan, it is typically considered as something that will take effect after they have passed away. But there are in fact many ways in which comprehensive estate planning can have a positive impact on your life while you are still around to… Read More »
Caution: Writing Your Own Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Unintended Consequences
Are you wondering how to avoid probate in Maryland? If so, you want to make sure you’re going about it the right way… In Howard County and beyond, one common way to avoid probate of real estate after the owner dies is to hold the title to the property in joint names with rights… Read More »
3 Tips for the Overwhelmed Personal Representative
While it is an honor to be named as personal representative (executor) of a will or estate, it can also be a sobering and daunting responsibility. Being a personal representative requires a high level of organization, foresight, and attention to detail to meet all responsibilities and ensure that all beneficiaries receive the assets to… Read More »
3 Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs in Maryland
The bad news: not only does probate take forever, probated estates are subject to a variety of costs from attorneys, executors, appraisers, accountants, and courts. Depending on the complexity, probate costs in Maryland can run into tens of thousands of dollars. In Maryland, attorneys’ fees and executors’ fees are regulated by state statute; the final… Read More »
HELP! This Probate Is Taking Forever!!!
After a loved one dies, his or her estate must be settled. While most people want the settlement process to be done ASAP, probate in Maryland, including Howard County, can take between 9 to 18 months, presuming there is no challenges to a Will or any litigation. Yes, you heard that right. The time… Read More »
