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Do Not Pay For a Copy of Your Maryland Property Deed

If you have recently transferred the ownership of a property title, you may have received a mailing from a company called Property Records offering a property profile along with “a copy of the only document that identifies [you] as the property owner of [your address], by a recently recorded transferred property title.” Many of our […]

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What Is a Lien Certificate and Why Do I Need One When Transferring My Baltimore City or County Property Title?

A lien certificate is a document issued by the city or county finance office that identifies municipal charges owed to the city or county. A lien certificate will state any outstanding taxes or utilities owed, as well as any property violations and unpaid citations. Note that neither the city nor the county will record a […]

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Do I Need a Probate Bond for a Maryland Estate?

A probate bond is a form of insurance designed to protect the estate and all beneficiaries from fraudulence or mismanagement by the estate’s Personal Representative. In most cases, Maryland state law requires a probate bond with a few exceptions, including:   1. If the decedent’s will explicitly waives the bond; 2. If all heirs or […]

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Do I Need to Update My Maryland Property Deed if My Name Has Changed?

The simple answer is no. Maryland law does not require a new deed to reflect your name change. However, you can avoid complications by doing so, especially if you decide to sell or refinance your property. Name consistency across all legal documents can make life easier for you.   If you decide to change your […]

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What Is the Interested Persons Form for a Maryland Probate Estate?

Maryland law defines an “interested person” as anyone listed in a will, an immediate family member, and a legatee or a trust now receiving interest from assets resulting from the person’s passing.   The Interested Persons form must be filed along with the petition and should include any person or entity with a potential interest […]

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How Should I Prepare for a Meeting with a Maryland Probate Attorney?

Before meeting with a Maryland probate attorney, it is important to be as prepared as possible. This post will provide an overview of what you will need and what questions to ask.   Begin by thinking carefully about your goals and concerns. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the probate process, come prepared […]

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Do Life Insurance and Retirement Benefits Need to Go Through Probate in Maryland?

Before meeting with a Maryland probate attorney, it is important to be as prepared as possible. This post will provide an overview of what you will need and what questions to ask.   Begin by thinking carefully about your goals and concerns. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the probate process, come prepared […]

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What Is Ancillary Probate in Maryland?

When someone passes away in Maryland, their estate typically goes through probate, but if the deceased person owned real estate or other assets in another state, ancillary probate may be required to transfer ownership of those assets to their heirs or legatees.   The primary probate process occurs in the state where the deceased person […]

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First-Time Home Buyer Transfer Tax in Howard County for Public Servants

In Howard County, Maryland, the local government recognizes the invaluable contributions of law enforcement officers; fire and rescue services members; and certificated professional teachers to the community. In appreciation of their dedicated service, the county has implemented favorable transfer tax provisions, offering exemptions and rate reductions for eligible individuals.   To qualify for the transfer […]

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The Hierarchy of Payments From an Estate in Maryland

During the process of administering an estate, you might discover that the assets in the estate are not sufficient to pay all claims made against the estate. If you find yourself in this situation as a Personal Representative, Maryland law specifies a hierarchy of payments. The hierarchy is as follows:   1. Fees due to […]

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