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 decedent has disclosed to their Personal Representative and back-up Personal Representative(s).

When keeping a list of important documents, it is essential that the list indicate how many items exist in each category. For example, if the decedent had three bank accounts the accounts should be listed AND indicate that there are ONLY three bank accounts. Without an indication of how many accounts exist it could leave the Personal Representative or loved ones searching to see if more are in existence.

It is critical that you update your important documents list each time an account is opened or closed, or any other change is made.

For a free, confidential conversation to discuss these and other estate planning matters, contact Maryland estate planning attorney Stephen J. Reichert at 410-299-4959, sreichert@reichertlegal.com or here.

Important documents will be needed when entering the probate or settlement process. Here’s a list of documents that are necessary to settle an estate or Trust.


Estate Planning Documents

If the decedent had an estate plan, then copies or originals of the following documents will be needed:

Last Will and Testament—if in Maryland it’s possible this document is on file with the city or country where the decedent lived. All Wills created in Maryland can (and should) be filed with the appropriate government agency.

Revocable Living Trust and Amendments


Death Certificate

Multiple, original death certificates (I suggest a dozen) will be needed to settle the decedent’s affairs.


Assets

Account Statements – bank, brokerage, and retirement accounts

Life Insurance Policies

Beneficiary Designations – for retirement accounts, pay-on-death accounts, and life insurance

Real Estate Deeds—copies are sufficient

Automobile and Boat Titles – originals required to transfer title

Stock and Bond Certificates – originals required to transfer title


Business Documents

If the decedent owned a business, then copies or originals of the following documents will be needed:

Corporate, LLC or Partnership Documents – including copies of the corporate charter or articles of organization and minutes; a copy of the shareholder’s agreement, operating agreement, or partnership agreement; and original stock or LLC certificates to transfer legal title

Account Statements – bank, brokerage, and retirement accounts for at least the three months prior to death

Automobile and Boat Titles – originals required to transfer title

Contracts – including leases, loans, and employment agreements

Business Licenses – including local and state licenses

Income Tax Returns – past three years


Contracts

Prenuptial Agreements – including any amendments

Postnuptial Agreements – including any amendments

Loans – including personal loans, lines of credit, and mortgages, along with the original promissory notes

Leases – including real estate and automobile leases


Bills

Utility Bills

Cell Phone Bills

Credit Card Bills

Mortgages and Personal Loans – including lines of credit

Real Estate Tax Bills

Storage Unit Bills

Medical Bills

Funeral Bill


Tax Returns

Federal Income Tax Returns—past 3 years

State Income Tax Returns—past 3 years

Gift Tax Returns

For a free, confidential conversation to discuss these and other estate planning matters, contact Maryland estate planning attorney Stephen J. Reichert at 410-299-4959, sreichert@reichertlegal.com or here.