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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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What is the Role of a Personal Representative?

A Personal Representative (aka executor) is a person appointed in an estate plan, or, when there is no will, appointed as a matter of law or by the court. This role involves ensuring that the decedent’s wishes are fulfilled when distributing assets, as well as managing the decedent’s affairs, including paying taxes and other bills. […]

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Letters of Administration for Foreign Small Estate in Baltimore City

If property is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and needs to be transferred via an estate opened in another state, a Foreign Proceeding must be opened. When a Foreign Small Estate is opened in Baltimore City the Register of Wills Office does not issue a Letter of Administration as they would in a regular Small Estate. […]

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May a Personal Representative or Trustee Demand a Release?

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Yes, a Personal Representative may demand a release in the absence of a state statute that says otherwise. Generally, the Maryland Court of Appeals has decided that so long as the release is not written in such a way as to be one-sided or impermissibly favors the trustee’s interest over the beneficiaries, releases that absolve […]

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What Happens to Your Student Loans After You Die?

If you’re struggling to pay off your student loans, you might be wondering who will have to pay those loans back in the event that you or a loved one passes. In general, federal student loans (whether signed with or without a co-signer) are discharged upon one’s death. Private loans, however, will largely depend on […]

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May 15, 2019 – Baltimore City Office of Finance Hacked, Deed Recording Delays

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We recently learned that the computer system at the Baltimore City Office of Finance has been hacked, causing the City of Baltimore to shut down the computer systems for the Tax and Land Records and the Office of Finance indefinitely. As a result, Baltimore City is unable to issue lien certifications, utility bills, or tax […]

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What if the Personal Representative of the Estate is Deceased?

If you want to assume the place of the Personal Representative due to unforeseen reasons, the matter must be addressed by the court. If the Principle is deceased and the Personal Representative is incapable of performing the duties then we must petition the court in the county of the estate. Until the court rules, no […]

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How do I Claim a Deceased Relatives’ Unclaimed Property?

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If you need to claim property that is within the state of Maryland, then you will need to have a claim filed with the Comptroller of Maryland. Additional documentation is needed for proof. The documentation needs to include two forms of identification, and items such as bank account information and insurance proceeds. Depending on the […]

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

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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. […]

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Maryland Estates: If a Deceased Person Owes Me Money, What Can I Do?

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In order to get the money you deserve the first step is to file a claim against decedent’s Estate with the Office of the Register of Wills. The claim can only be submitted up to 6 months after the person is deceased. This action will place a lien on the estate’s assets so that the […]

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