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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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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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