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Maryland Probate Attorney: Are Life Insurance Policies Included in Maryland Probate?

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No, if the beneficiary is an individual and not the estate of the decedent. In this instance proceeds from an insurance policy are handled outside of the administration of the estate in probate. For a free, confidential conversation to discuss this and other estate planning matters, including probate administration legal services, contact Maryland probate administration […]

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Maryland Probate Lawyer: What Happens to Unclaimed Gifts?

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If a legatee hasn’t claimed a gift, that they were entitled to, under a modified estate in Maryland, does the asset get distributed to other named heirs? The first place to look for the answer is to the decedent’s Maryland Last Will and Testament. In Maryland the Personal Representative (known as an Executor in other […]

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Maryland Estate Planning Lawyer: What Are Probate Assets?

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Probate assets are those that pass pursuant to the terms of the decedent’s Will or if no Will was created, than pursuant to Maryland law. Examples of probate assets include those items that were held in the decedent’s name only: cash, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies…. Non-probate assets are those that pass independent of a […]

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Maryland Probate Lawyer: Probate Steps, Checklist and Requirements in the State of Maryland

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Probate is process by which property is transferred from the decedent’s estate to beneficiaries. Maryland law has provisions that describe the duties and responsibilities of the Personal Representative for an estate. For those that need legal assistance in fulfilling these strict requirements, the Law Office of Stephen J. Reichert, LLC, licensed in Maryland, can provide […]

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Columbia, Maryland Estate Planning: Where to File a Will in Columbia, Md. & Howard County

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You Live in Maryland and Have a Will? Good news. Maryland, unlike many states, allows Wills to be filed with the county in which you live. As an estate planning attorney, I have encountered clients in Maryland who have failed (or their attorney failed) to file their Will with the county. This is a critical […]

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Maryland Estate Planning: Important Documents Needed After Someone Dies

Upon the death of someone in Maryland either the Personal Representative (if there was a Will) or friends and family members will need to collect the important papers of the decedent. If a Will was created, and the individual followed sound advice, a list of these important documents could exist in a location that the […]

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Maryland Estate Planning: Avoiding Probate

The Probate Process For more on the Maryland probate process, read my blog post. Creating a Will without any other Estate Planning does not stop your estate from going through the probate process. Avoiding Probate Because probate can be a lengthy, costly and public process, many people choose to avoid it. There are a number […]

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Maryland Probate Attorney: The Maryland Probate Process

Each probate estate is unique, but most include the following steps: 1. File petition with the correct Maryland probate court 2. Notify the heirs under the Will, or the statutory heirs, if no Will exists 3. Petition to appoint the Executor (if there is a Will) or Administrator for the estate 4. Executor creates an […]

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Maryland Estate Planning: Dying Without a Will

Have you ever asked yourself: “How will my estate be distributed if I die without a Will in Maryland?” Yes? Then, read on. The State of Maryland will distribute your estate according to Maryland law. Your family and friends will not have the ability to make decisions as to the distribution of your estate. Personalized […]

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