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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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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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Must I Open a Maryland Probate Estate if the Only Asset is a Motor Vehicle?

If the motor vehicle is co-owned, and the other owner is alive, then the vehicle will not be subject to a probate estate. However, if the vehicle is in the decedent’s name only, with no surviving co-owner, then a probate estate is necessary. If the vehicle is worth less than $50,000 then a small estate […]

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How Long Do Creditors Have to Bill an Estate in Maryland?

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In Maryland, the creditors have six (6) months to file a claim. The bill must be sent to the Personal Representative and filed with the Register of Wills. If you are a Personal Representative of an estate and waiting for a bill from the hospital or other creditor, it might be a good idea to […]

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Do I Need a Bond for the Personal Representative of my Maryland Estate?

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Whether or not you need a bond for your personal representative depends on your specific circumstances. Generally, a personal representative bond is a surety bond to protect the beneficiaries of the estate against fiduciary misconduct. If the bond is in the form of an insurance, then there also needs to be a power of attorney […]

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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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Deeds of Easement No Longer Require a Lien Certificate in Harford County, Maryland

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Lien certificates will no longer be required for Deeds of Easement in Harford County, Maryland. No research on outstanding balances due from the owner will be completed. All other types of Deed transfers will require a lien sheet prior to processing. If a deed is presented without a lien, the presenter must provide a copy […]

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What Happens To Property After Divorce In Maryland?

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In Maryland, a married couple may own property together as tenants by the entirety. In order for a tenancy by the entirety to exist, the following five conditions must exist: 1. Tenants must acquire the property at the same time. 2. Tenants must have equal interest in the property. 3. Tenants must acquire title by […]

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Who Can Be Personal Representative if a Minor is the Heir of the Estate in Maryland?

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If a Minor is the listed heir in an Estate then the Minor cannot gain access or control to the estate until becoming an adult regardless of when or if the Personal Representative fies. While this individual is the rightful heir of the Estate someone will have to be the Personal Representative of it and […]

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