Free Confidential Consultation. Call Now! 410-299-4959

sreichert@reichertlegal.com

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 […]

Read More

What is a Tangled Title and What Can I Do About It?

A tangled title is a term used when you have inherited a home but the deed has not been legally transferred into your name. This may cause several difficulties, both practically and financially. For example, you may run into problems setting up utilities, obtaining a homeowner’s insurance policy, or taking out a home equity line […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

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

Post Image

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 […]

Read More

For How Long is a Maryland Will Valid?

Post Image

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 […]

Read More

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

Post Image

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 […]

Read More

Maryland Probate; Should I File a Small or Regular Estate?

Post Image

In order to know how to file an estate, one must know the value of the estate. If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less, then you should file it as a small estate. Also, if the spouse is the sole legatee or heir then a small estate can be up to $100,000. For […]

Read More

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

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 the Executor deceases. While this individual is the rightful heir of the Estate someone will have to be the Personal Representative of it and manage the estate […]

Read More

How is Property Distributed in Maryland if There is No Will?

Post Image

After the assets are used to pay estate expenses, debt, and taxes, the rest can be distributed to the closest living heirs. This is done according to Maryland’s intestacy laws. In Maryland, typically a surviving spouse and children would be given priority. If there is no surviving spouse then children would receive the assets equally. […]

Read More

How Do I Obtain Letters of Administration in Maryland?

Post Image

It’s possible you’ve asked this question because someone has passed away and the insurance company will not work with you until you have the letters of administration. Or a bank. Or a creditor. Or a landlord. Or a spouse. There are any number of people and institutions that will not communicate critical information to you […]

Read More