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

sreichert@reichertlegal.com

Maryland Probate: Do I File a Will With No Assets?

Post Image

This is a common question people have and reasonable to wonder if a person’s Will needs to be filed if the person died with no assets. Under Maryland Law, the decedent’s Will must be filed in the jurisdiction of domicile even if the person died without any assets. This does not mean that an estate […]

Read More

Do I Need a Bond For a Maryland Small Estate?

Post Image

If you are an individual serving as the Personal Representative of a Maryland small estate, the short answer is: yes, you will need to secure a bond on behalf of the estate. However there are some exceptions: if the value of the estate is less than $10,000 (after funeral expenses & family allowances), if the […]

Read More

Maryland Probate: Who Distributes The Estate’s Assets?

Post Image

Under Maryland law the named or appointed Personal Representative is responsible for the distribution of the estate assets. To reach the point in the estate administration where the law allows distribution, the Personal Representative must pass several stages and filings and should only distribute assets after approval from the Register of Wills and the Orphans’ […]

Read More

Maryland Probate Fees

Post Image

The county Register of Wills office will assess estate administration fees per Maryland law. The fees are assessed when your attorney files the first account for the estate. Additional fees could be assessed if the value of the estate increases. The estate value is determined by reviewing the value of all assets included in the […]

Read More

How to Close an Estate in Maryland Probate

Post Image

Under Maryland law, Estates & Trusts, the final approval of the final account, as submitted to the register of wills, automatically closes the estate. This can also terminate the appointment of the personal representative however there are circumstances where you may wish to request to keep the appointment open beyond the closing. Often additional accounts […]

Read More

Maryland Probate, Duty to Protect Property

Post Image

As the Personal Representative (aka executor) of a Maryland estate, you are required to protect and maintain the assets of the estate. Among many other duties this includes protecting any real estate. According to a local insurance company water damage due to frozen pipes is the most frequent claim and damage done to property in […]

Read More

Maryland Estate Administration, Valuation of Stocks

Post Image

In Maryland the Information Report and Inventory for an administration probate is due within three months of opening the estate. These must be filed by the attorney and/or the Personal Representative along with proper valuation of all assets and supporting documents and appraisals. Each asset has a particular way of being valued under Maryland law […]

Read More

Maryland Probate: Do I Need a Surety Bond?

Post Image

If you are an individual serving as the Personal Representative of a Maryland estate, the short answer is: yes, you will need to secure a surety bond on behalf of the estate. The bond will be filed and/or presented to the appropriate county Office of the Register of Wills, Estate Administration or Probate Division. If […]

Read More

What Death Taxes are Payable in Maryland?

Post Image

Both the federal and state governments impose taxes upon the property/estate of a decedent. A federal estate tax with graduated rates is imposed on all property interests that the decedent owned at the time of death. The federal estate tax applies to probate assets and also to non-probate assets. For example, joint property and insurance […]

Read More

Maryland Probate: Creditor Filing Deadline

Post Image

How long do creditors have to file a claim against an estate in Maryland? Maryland Estates & Trusts law provides that creditors, except for those otherwise exempt by statute, have six (6) months from the date the decedent died to file claims. All claims against a Maryland estate of a decedent, whether due now or […]

Read More