Maryland Probate, Duty to Protect Property

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 Maryland. As the Personal Representative administering the estate you should consider taking the following steps to help prevent damage to the house:

1. Set your thermostat to at least 60 degrees throughout the house during extended sub-freezing temperatures.

2. Leave bathroom or kitchen cabinet doors, that run along outside walls, open so that warmer air can circulate through them.

3. Exterior faucets for hoses and irrigation should be shut off from inside the home.

4. Still water freezes faster than running water. During periods of low usage and on frigid nights, turn on a faucet at the highest point in the home. Keep the stream low, so that only a small amount can trickle through any section of pipes running through cold spaces.

5. If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, arrange for someone to check the house regularly. Make sure the location of the main water shut-off valve is well known.

If you have a frozen pipe: Call your plumber immediately. Once a pipe thaws, there is a chance it could burst.

Permanent steps you can take:

1. Install an automatic shut-off system designed to stop leaking water when water accumulation is detected. Your plumber can help you with this. We can also get you a list of devices.

2. Add several ‘low-temperature sensors’ to your central station alarm system, especially in remote areas of your home.

For a free, confidential conversation to discuss this and other estate administration matters, including probate administration legal services, contact Maryland probate administration lawyer Stephen J. Reichert at 410-299-4959, sreichert@reichertlegal.com or by clicking here.

Mr. Reichert can administer probate on behalf of the estate or for a modest fee he can be of assistance to the Personal Representative, as assistance is needed. If you are out-of-state he can also serve as the Maryland Resident Agent for the estate and handle local matters on your behalf. For example, he can be available to give the correct legal answer and review or prepare probate filings before they are submitted to the county.

Day, evening and weekend appointments are available in office or at your residence. Mr. Reichert personally serves clients throughout the entire state of Maryland.

Attorney Reichert looks forward to assisting you with your Maryland probate needs.

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