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 with a list of questions.

Gather the most relevant documents related to the estate, such as a will, trust documents, deeds, financial statements, and life insurance policies. Also, if there is any outstanding debt or liabilities, or even potential creditors, be prepared to share this information with the attorney.

Be open and honest about family dynamics. If you foresee potential conflicts among family members or beneficiaries, make this clear to the attorney who can help you navigate potential issues that may arise throughout the process. Family conflicts often create additional work and make the entire probate process more expensive, so it is best to understand this, and avoid it as much as possible, from the beginning.

Ask the attorney about the fee structure. This is a critical question to ask any attorney. Depending on the nature of the case, attorneys may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Do not leave the meeting without absolute clarity about what to expect in terms of cost.

Take thorough notes throughout the conversation. This will help you remember next steps and will be useful for follow-up questions if needed. That said, your attorney should be taking the same notes and sending you reminders to keep everyone on track during the estate administration.

The estate administration process can be overwhelming, so be sure to meet with an experienced probate attorney. For a free, confidential conversation to discuss probate or estate planning, contact Maryland estate attorney Stephen J. Reichert at 410-299-4959 or sreichert@reichertlegal.com.

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