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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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Remote Notarization of Documents in Maryland

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Governor Larry Hogan issued an Executive Order that waives the requirement of in-person notarization of documents, thereby authorizing remote notarization of documents during the COVID-19 emergency in Maryland. Release from the Office of the Secretary of State: Effective March 30th, Governor Hogan ordered the in-person requirement for notarizing documents in Maryland is temporarily waived for […]

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Does the Personal Representative of a Will Have to be a Maryland Resident?

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The Personal Representative does not need to be a Maryland resident. However, a Maryland resident must act as the agent of the Personal Representative. Typically this is a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and the Will. This individual has to be appointed at the beginning of the process. But anyone can be appointed […]

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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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How Much Does a Maryland Will Cost?

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Lawyers often charge on an hourly basis at rates that vary depending on the region of the country and experience of the attorney. Also, the thinking is that the estate planning needs of each person will be different therefore, the cost of a Will is affected by the amount of time it takes to review […]

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Maryland Trust for Individual With Special Needs

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Parents of a child with special needs have unique concerns when planning for their child’s welfare after the parents have passed away. Important practical and legal decisions need to be made to determine how and in what manner the needs of the child will be met. Careful consideration—including benefit implications—needs to be given when considering […]

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When are Maryland Will Contents Reveled?

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The contents of the Will may be revealed to family members and interested parties after the person has died. This disclosure is done by the Personal Representative for the estate. The Personal Representative, or an attorney on their behalf, have a duty to properly notify all those who could receive distributions from the estate. The […]

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Maryland Wills & Estate Planning: Disposing of Property Restrictions

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Are there any restrictions in the state of Maryland on the manner in which a will may dispose of property and can a wife or child be disinherited? A surviving spouse has certain rights that could alter the way in which you intended to dispose of your assets. Maryland laws prevent a spouse from being […]

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Maryland Estate Planning Lawyer: Does a Maryland Will Dispose of All Assets?

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No. A Will addresses only asserts that will pass through Maryland probate. These include assets that belong to you only and are not shared with another person. If property is owned jointly with another individual than that property may not be considered probate property. For example, if your house is titled as “joint owners with […]

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Maryland Estate Planning Attorney: Animal-Pet Trusts Allowed Under Maryland Law

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When creating an estate plan, some clients wish to create trusts for their pets. Maryland law allows for the creation of animal trusts. Here are some highlights from Maryland Animal Trust law: • A trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal alive during the lifetime of the creator of the […]

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