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What is a Tangled Title and What Can I Do About It?

A tangled title is a term used when you have inherited a home but the deed has not been legally transferred into your name. This may cause several difficulties, both practically and financially. For example, you may run into problems setting up utilities, obtaining a homeowner’s insurance policy, or taking out a home equity line […]

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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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What New Parents Need to Know About Estate Planning?

While assembling a new crib or changing diapers, estate planning is probably the farthest thing from your mind. However, life’s busyness does not diminish the importance of making sure your family has everything they need in case something unfortunate were to happen to you.   Where should you start?   Begin with your living documents. […]

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Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses are Eligible for a Property Tax Exemption in Maryland

As you know, the state of Maryland provides many benefits to veterans of the Armed Services. If you are a disabled veteran, you may be eligible for a complete tax exemption on your property. There are no filing deadlines, so you are free to apply at any time. If you are the surviving spouse of […]

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SDAT Increases Business Personal Property Exemption

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) recently raised the exemption for all Maryland businesses on personal property assessment from $2,500 to $20,000.   HB268 took effect on June 1, 2022 and will save Maryland businesses from paying over forty million dollars in assessments. This legislation also prevents the SDAT from the collection […]

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What is a Notice of Probate for a Maryland Resident?

A notice of probate is a document containing information about the deceased person’s estate and upcoming court proceedings. The personal representative of the estate is responsible for sending the notice of probate to any heirs, creditors, or beneficiaries. If any of the interested parties do not receive a notice of probate, they may not be […]

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How Do I Fix an Imperfect Deed in Maryland?

Imperfect deeds can impact a title and, consequently, your rights of ownership. Common errors that render a deed imperfect include insufficient legal descriptions, incorrect or misspelled names, missing witnesses, or the lack of a notary stamp.   While the original deed in Maryland cannot be amended, a confirmatory deed can be executed and recorded, providing […]

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Common Maryland Deeds Described in Plain Language

A Deed is a legal document confirming ownership of a piece of real estate, such as land or a house. The three most common deeds in Maryland are a General Warranty Deed, a Special Warranty Deed, and a Quitclaim Deed.   In a General Warranty Deed the grantor (or seller) declares that the property title […]

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What Does Maryland Intestate Mean and Why Does it Matter?

Intestate is when a person dies without a valid will. When this happens in Maryland, the state decides how to distribute any property or asset inheritance, including how much each family member will receive.   According to Maryland Intestacy Laws, your surviving spouse will receive half of your estate, while your surviving children receive the […]

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How Much Will the Court Allow For Funeral Expenses in Maryland?

Estate Planning

If you have been designated the personal representative of an estate, you probably know that you are responsible for making sure all funeral expenses are paid. However, you may not know what expenses fall under this category. According to Maryland law, within six months’ time, the personal representative of an estate is required pay expenses […]

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