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Ways to Avoid Disputes Over Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms can create problems among family members after a loved one has passed away. Even if the deceased had a will or trust in place, these documents may not address specific items, leaving family members the task of dividing up heirlooms fairly. This post explores ways to avoid disputes over family heirlooms.   If […]

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Maryland Estate Planning Terms Defined

If you’re new to estate planning, you might feel overwhelmed. Any legal process can feel intimidating. In this post we will briefly define several key terms to give you a broader understanding of the subject so that, when you do decide to put an estate plan in place, you will have a better foundation.   […]

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What Are the Inheritance Rights of Adopted and Step-Children in Maryland?

In the state of Maryland, adoptive children lose all inheritance rights from their biological parents but gain full inheritance rights from their adoptive parents. If an adopted child is left out of a will, Maryland’s intestacy laws are used to determine the adoptive child’s share.   Step-children do not acquire inheritance rights from their adoptive […]

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Why You Should Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning

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Estate planning is something many families are inclined to put off however careful planning for the future can protect property and assets, as well as loved ones. An estate plan is not simply a matter of drafting a will; it is also a kindness to the surviving family members because it can relieve stress, help […]

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What Is a Surviving Spouse Entitled to Receive Under Maryland’s Elective Share Statute?

Maryland’s Elective Share Statute was designed to prevent a surviving spouse from being disinherited. House Bill 99, signed by Governor Hogan in 2019, expanded the assets included in calculating what a surviving spouse could inherit.   Under the previous bill, only probate assets were subject to the elective share statute. Under the augmented statute, non-probate […]

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Do I Need a Bond for the Personal Representative of my Maryland Estate?

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Whether or not you need a bond for your personal representative depends on your specific circumstances. Generally, a personal representative bond is a surety bond to protect the beneficiaries of the estate against fiduciary misconduct. If the bond is in the form of an insurance, then there also needs to be a power of attorney […]

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For How Long is a Maryland Will Valid?

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As a general rule, a will governs the distribution of assets only after the testator dies. Any changes to a will that are made during the testator’s lifetime will be valid. A will is not active until the owner of the assets passes. For example, if a testator wills her home to her son, but […]

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What is Common Law Marriage and Does it Exist in Maryland?

Common Law Marriage is a framework for individuals who are legally married in certain states without actually being formally recognized as married by the state. Typically these laws refer to couples who have cohabitated, or lived together for a certain amount of years. The requirements to achieve this threshold is different from state to state. […]

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Maryland Estate Planning: How Do I Obtain Power of Attorney?

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In order to obtain power of attorney you must have the Principle decide the amount of power they wish to give. There are different types of power that falls into broad categories of Financial and Healthcare. For each of these powers to be granted, separate documents must be created. The General and Limited Power of […]

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Maryland Estate Planning: Where Should I Keep My Will?

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A Will is an important legal document that should be kept in a safe and secure location. There are many great options such as a safe deposit box, a personal safe in the house or even by your attorney. The Will needs to be in a place that is safe from theft and damage from […]

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