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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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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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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: Is a Living Trust a Good Idea?

A living trust is a written legal document that places assets in a trust which can still be used by the principle. Once the principle dies, the trust can be transferred to the designated beneficiaries. There are many benefits to creating a living trust. One reason to create a living trust is to avoid probate. […]

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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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Are Maryland Wills Public Records?

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Wills of living persons in Maryland can be filed with the Register of Wills for the county in which the person lives. The wills are held for safekeeping by the Register of Wills but they are not part of the public records. In the State of Maryland you may not review the Will of a […]

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