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Happy New Year! Update Your Estate Plan?

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If your Will is several years old or you have experienced any life-changing events since your Will was created, such as marriage, divorce, the birth or death of a child, a child who is no longer a minor, a child who has since gotten married, a change in residence, or the death of anyone named […]

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Montgomery Village, Maryland Estate Planning & Will Filing

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As an estate planning lawyer, I encounter clients in Maryland who failed (or their attorney failed) to file their Will with the county. This is a critical final step in the Will creation process as it ensures safe keeping and quick access to your Will by the court that will handle probate for your estate. […]

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How to Close a Small Estate of Probate in Maryland

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Under Maryland law, Estates & Trusts, the approved Information Report, as submitted to the Register of Wills, typically closes the small estate. If there are any creditors who filed with the Register of Wills any unpaid valid claims could cause the small estate to remain open. The Register of Wills should provide a schedule of […]

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Maryland Real Estate Law & Attorney’s Fees

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A few clients have recently asked about “standard” attorney’s fees clauses in Maryland Real Estate contracts, such as a Residential Contract of Sale. It is important to understand that ultimately these terms are negotiable and if you have concerns about what is proposed you should speak with your attorney so that you are comfortable with […]

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Maryland Estate Administration, Valuation of Stocks

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In Maryland the Information Report and Inventory for an administration probate is due within three months of opening the estate. These must be filed by the attorney and/or the Personal Representative along with proper valuation of all assets and supporting documents and appraisals. Each asset has a particular way of being valued under Maryland law […]

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Formal Requirements for a Valid Will in Maryland

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Under Maryland law you must sign your will and two or more witnesses must sign the will in your presence. There are also formalities on informing the witnesses as to what you are signing though they are not required to read and understand the contents of the will. Each witness must be at least 18 […]

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Glassmanor, Maryland Estate Planning: File a Will

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Maryland, unlike many states, allows Wills to be filed with the county in which you live. As an estate planning attorney, I have encountered clients in Maryland who have failed (or their attorney failed) to file their Will with the county. This is a critical final step in the Will creation process as it ensures […]

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Trademark Attorney: Trademarking a Phrase

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Can I trademark a phrase? It is possible for a business to trademark a phrase in the same way that a product name or service name can be trademarked. The phrase will have to be used by the business for the products or services related to the business. In trademarking the phrase I would demonstrate, […]

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Maryland Probate: Do I Need a Surety Bond?

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If you are an individual serving as the Personal Representative of a Maryland estate, the short answer is: yes, you will need to secure a surety bond on behalf of the estate. The bond will be filed and/or presented to the appropriate county Office of the Register of Wills, Estate Administration or Probate Division. If […]

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What Death Taxes are Payable in Maryland?

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Both the federal and state governments impose taxes upon the property/estate of a decedent. A federal estate tax with graduated rates is imposed on all property interests that the decedent owned at the time of death. The federal estate tax applies to probate assets and also to non-probate assets. For example, joint property and insurance […]

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