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Can a Non-U.S. Citizen Create a Last Will and Testament in Maryland?

The short answer is yes, Maryland law allows non-U.S. citizens to create a Last Will and Testament provided they are at least 18 years of age and of sound mind. Keep in mind that each state may have specific laws governing what a Will should contain, how it should be executed, and any legal requirements […]

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New Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Levels for Maryland

The IRS recently announced an increase in federal estate and gift tax exemptions for 2025. While this change will mainly impact high-net-worth individuals, this may be a good time for you to revisit and reconsider your strategies for transferring wealth moving forward.   The federal estate tax is a tax imposed on any transfer of […]

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Do Not Pay For a Copy of Your Maryland Property Deed

If you have recently transferred the ownership of a property title, you may have received a mailing from a company called Property Records offering a property profile along with “a copy of the only document that identifies [you] as the property owner of [your address], by a recently recorded transferred property title.” Many of our […]

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What Is a Lien Certificate and Why Do I Need One When Transferring My Baltimore City or County Property Title?

A lien certificate is a document issued by the city or county finance office that identifies municipal charges owed to the city or county. A lien certificate will state any outstanding taxes or utilities owed, as well as any property violations and unpaid citations. Note that neither the city nor the county will record a […]

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Do I Need a Probate Bond for a Maryland Estate?

A probate bond is a form of insurance designed to protect the estate and all beneficiaries from fraudulence or mismanagement by the estate’s Personal Representative. In most cases, Maryland state law requires a probate bond with a few exceptions, including:   1. If the decedent’s will explicitly waives the bond; 2. If all heirs or […]

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Do I Need to Update My Maryland Property Deed if My Name Has Changed?

The simple answer is no. Maryland law does not require a new deed to reflect your name change. However, you can avoid complications by doing so, especially if you decide to sell or refinance your property. Name consistency across all legal documents can make life easier for you.   If you decide to change your […]

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What Is the Interested Persons Form for a Maryland Probate Estate?

Maryland law defines an “interested person” as anyone listed in a will, an immediate family member, and a legatee or a trust now receiving interest from assets resulting from the person’s passing.   The Interested Persons form must be filed along with the petition and should include any person or entity with a potential interest […]

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What Should I Do with My Estate Plan If One of My Children Provides Most of the Caregiving?

In many instances, most of the caregiving may fall to one of your children. This could be due to several circumstances, most often proximity. If you are in this situation, you may have asked yourself how to fairly acknowledge the caregiving load one child has carried over another.   Here are some strategies to consider […]

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How Should I Prepare for a Meeting with a Maryland Probate Attorney?

Before meeting with a Maryland probate attorney, it is important to be as prepared as possible. This post will provide an overview of what you will need and what questions to ask.   Begin by thinking carefully about your goals and concerns. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the probate process, come prepared […]

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Do Life Insurance and Retirement Benefits Need to Go Through Probate in Maryland?

Before meeting with a Maryland probate attorney, it is important to be as prepared as possible. This post will provide an overview of what you will need and what questions to ask.   Begin by thinking carefully about your goals and concerns. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the probate process, come prepared […]

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