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My Parent Inherited a Home in Maryland but Never Changed the Deed—What Now?

This is a common situation. Your mother inherits a house but never updates the property deed. And then she passes away. What now? Even though your mother may not have updated the deed, by Maryland law she is still considered the property owner.   If your mother had a will, the house would pass to […]

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Trustee Resignation Made Easier by The Maryland Trust Act

Under the Maryland Trust Act, which governs the administration of trusts in the state of Maryland, trustees will soon find it easier to resign from their duties. Beginning October 1, 2025, a Trustee may resign simply by submitting a written 30-day notice, informing beneficiaries, the creator of the trust (if still living), and any co-trustees. […]

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How Should a Personal Representative Handle Homeowner’s Insurance?

The Personal Representative has a fiduciary obligation to protect all assets of the decedent’s estate. If the decedent owned a property, this includes ensuring that the utilities and taxes are paid, and that the home is adequately secured among other obligations. What is often overlooked, however, is homeowner’s insurance.   If you are the Personal […]

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The Hierarchy of Payments From an Estate in Maryland

During the process of administering an estate, you might discover that the assets in the estate are not sufficient to pay all claims made against the estate. If you find yourself in this situation as a Personal Representative, Maryland law specifies a hierarchy of payments. The hierarchy is as follows:   1. Fees due to […]

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Inheritance Rights for Domestic Partners Expanded Under New Maryland Law

One of the significant changes introduced by Maryland Senate Bill 792 relates to the treatment of estate taxes for individuals in domestic partnerships. In the past, if a partner did not possess a will at the time of their death, their property would be subject to Maryland’s intestate laws. This new legislation, however, aims to […]

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Determining the Value of an Estate in Maryland

Understanding how an estate is valued is a crucial step in the probate process. In the state of Maryland, the valuation of an estate involves several considerations, and navigating these complexities is important for both the Personal Representative and the beneficiaries.   Appraisal of Assets   One of the primary steps in estate valuation is […]

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What Happens with Your Debt When You Die in Maryland?

The passing of a loved one is a challenging and emotional time, and dealing with their financial affairs can be equally daunting. It’s important to understand the legal and financial processes that can happen when a person passes away and leaves behind debt.   Estate Administration Process   In Maryland, when a person passes away, […]

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Ways to Avoid Disputes Over Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms can create problems among family members after a loved one has passed away. Even if the deceased had a will or trust in place, these documents may not address specific items, leaving family members the task of dividing up heirlooms fairly. This post explores ways to avoid disputes over family heirlooms.   If […]

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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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