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Tag Archives: Maryland Wills

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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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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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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Inheritance Rights for Domestic Partners Expanded Under New Maryland Law

One of the significant changes introduced by Maryland Senate Bill 792 relates to the treatment of estate taxes for individuals in domestic partnerships. In the past, if a partner did not possess a will at the time of their death, their property would be subject to Maryland’s intestate laws. This new legislation, however, aims to […]

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Ways to Avoid Disputes Over Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms can create problems among family members after a loved one has passed away. Even if the deceased had a will or trust in place, these documents may not address specific items, leaving family members the task of dividing up heirlooms fairly. This post explores ways to avoid disputes over family heirlooms.   If […]

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Best Ways to Preemptively Avoid a Will Contest

While anyone can contest your will after you have passed away, there are several things you can do to prevent them from succeeding.   The first and best way to avoid a will contest is to establish a trust. This is the most common way to avoid probate and to make contesting a will difficult. […]

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New Tax Credit for Seniors in Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County recently passed a new Elderly Tax Credit designed to reduce the financial burden on Prince George’s elderly population. The tax credit can save senior citizens up to 20% on taxes. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:   1. One homeowner must be 65 years of age or older;   […]

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What Happens If My Heir Dies Before I Do in Maryland?

The answer to this question depends, first, on what kind of estate planning (if any) you have done.   If you have a will or a trust in place, you have already named your beneficiaries. But unless you have named alternate beneficiaries in your will or trust, you will have little control over where a […]

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Can a Will Be Signed or Changed By Someone with Dementia?

One common question we receive is whether a person with dementia may sign or update their last will and testament. For a will to be considered valid, the signee must have “testamentary capacity.” In other words, a person must be mentally competent enough to understand the implications of what they are signing. For a person […]

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