Maryland Probate Lawyer: Probate Steps, Checklist and Requirements in the State of Maryland

Probate is process by which property is transferred from the decedent’s estate to beneficiaries.

Maryland law has provisions that describe the duties and responsibilities of the Personal Representative for an estate. For those that need legal assistance in fulfilling these strict requirements, the Law Office of Stephen J. Reichert, LLC, licensed in Maryland, can provide assistance. For a free, confidential conversation to discuss these and other estate planning matters, or to create your own estate plan, contact Maryland probate lawyer Stephen J. Reichert at 410-299-4959, sreichert@reichertlegal.com or by clicking here.

The following is a checklist of steps to be followed during probate in Maryland. No all steps will be necessary in every case and some cases may require more action than what is listed below. This is meant as a general guide to the probate process in Maryland.

1. File the will with the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent lived. It is possible that the Will was previously filed with the county when it was completed by the decedent.

2. File a petition for probate, and associated forms, with the court in the county where the Will was filed.

3. Determine the assets, value, and location of all assets of the decedent. They could include getting professional appraisals.

4. Transfer assets, as needed, into a proper estate bank account.

5. Locate the decedent’s heirs and creditors.

6. Obtain a bond for the estate unless this was excused by the testator in a Will or excused by all interested persons.

7. Provide public notice (newspaper listing) of the estate and the six month period when valid claims against the estate will be considered.

8. Within three months prepare and deliver a detailed inventory, an appraisal of assets, and an information report to all interested persons.

9. Prepare and file decedent’s federal and state income tax returns; estate income tax returns, and inheritance and estate tax returns.

10. Prepare interim accounts and a final account and send to all interested persons for all receipts, disbursements and distributions of estate assets.

11. Prepare all court petitions so that all fees can be paid.

12. Respond to demands by creditors and interested parties, whether they were included in the Will or not.

13. Distribute estate assets and close the estate by filing a Certificate of Compliance.

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

Day, evening and weekend appointments are available in office or at your residence. Mr. Reichert personally serves clients in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Carroll County, Harford County, Frederick County, Montgomery County and throughout most of Maryland.