Free Confidential Consultation. Call Now! 410-299-4959

sreichert@reichertlegal.com

Who Can Be Personal Representative if a Minor is the Heir of Estate? Maryland Probate

If a Minor is the listed heir in an Estate then the Minor cannot gain access or control to the estate until becoming an adult regardless of when the Executor deceases. While this individual is the rightful heir of the Estate someone will have to be the Personal Representative of it and manage the estate […]

Read More

How is Property Distributed in Maryland if There is No Will?

Post Image

After the assets are used to pay estate expenses, debt, and taxes, the rest can be distributed to the closest living heirs. This is done according to Maryland’s intestacy laws. In Maryland, typically a surviving spouse and children would be given priority. If there is no surviving spouse then children would receive the assets equally. […]

Read More

Maryland Estates: If a Deceased Person Owes Me Money, What Can I Do?

Post Image

In order to get the money you deserve the first step is to file a claim against decedent’s Estate with the Office of the Register of Wills. The claim can only be submitted up to 6 months after the person is deceased. This action will place a lien on the estate’s assets so that the […]

Read More

How Do I Obtain Letters of Administration in Maryland?

Post Image

It’s possible you’ve asked this question because someone has passed away and the insurance company will not work with you until you have the letters of administration. Or a bank. Or a creditor. Or a landlord. Or a spouse. There are any number of people and institutions that will not communicate critical information to you […]

Read More

Can I Obtain A Copy of Someone’s Will?

Post Image

In Maryland people are allowed to file their Wills for safekeeping with the Register of Wills in the county where they reside. While living, a person’s Will is not part of the public record and thus no one can have access to the Will. After the person has died, the Will becomes part of the […]

Read More

Maryland Probate: Who Distributes The Estate’s Assets?

Post Image

Under Maryland law the named or appointed Personal Representative is responsible for the distribution of the estate assets. To reach the point in the estate administration where the law allows distribution, the Personal Representative must pass several stages and filings and should only distribute assets after approval from the Register of Wills and the Orphans’ […]

Read More

Maryland Probate: Cremation and Notification

Post Image

I was recently asked a question that has been asked a few times: can a person authorize cremation in Maryland without notifying next of kin? In other words: can you make an order to be cremated without disclosing this information to others? The short answer: yes. You can indicate in your Will your desire to […]

Read More

Maryland Probate: When Real Estate Is The Only Asset

Post Image

The Maryland code makes no distinction between personal property (e.g. motor vehicle) and real property (e.g. house & land; real estate) when setting forth the requirement that an estate must be opened for a decedent. There are many instances where an estate does not need to be opened, for example if the sole asset is […]

Read More

How to Close an Estate in Maryland Probate

Post Image

Under Maryland law, Estates & Trusts, the final approval of the final account, as submitted to the register of wills, automatically closes the estate. This can also terminate the appointment of the personal representative however there are circumstances where you may wish to request to keep the appointment open beyond the closing. Often additional accounts […]

Read More

Obtain a Maryland Death Certificate for Probate

Post Image

To administer an estate in Maryland the first step is to open the estate. This requires filing a Petition, with all supporting documents, bonds, fees, waivers, etc., with the appropriate Register of Wills. One of the many requirements in this filing is to include an original copy of the Maryland death certificate. The Register of […]

Read More