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Tag Archives: MD Estate Planning

The Most Common Issues We See in DIY Estate Planning Forms

Online estate planning forms are ubiquitous and can appear as a cheaper alternative to working with an attorney. The biggest mistake in depending on these forms is assuming that completing a form is the same as creating an estate plan. If you are considering using online forms for your estate planning, here are some things […]

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Expanded Rules for Non-Resident Decedents In Maryland

Maryland recently enacted changes to the laws governing probate venue, which became effective July 1, 2026. While these changes will not impact every estate in Maryland, they will impact estates where the decedent owned property in Maryland but resided out of state or outside of the United States.   Probate venue refers to the county […]

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What Happens to Your Estate Plan When You Move to Maryland From Out-of-State?

If you have recently moved to Maryland from out of state, you may be wondering if the move will affect your estate plan. Generally, Maryland law recognizes estate planning documents that were executed out-of-state. However, differences in state law can affect how those documents function in practice.   You should begin by reviewing your last […]

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Maryland Probate: When a Decedent’s Home is in a Revocable Trust, but the Car is Not

Many Maryland families create revocable living trusts to avoid probate and the estate administration process. If the family home is transferred into a trust by a property deed, the trustee can typically manage or sell the property without court involvement and the oversight of the Register of Wills. Problems can arise when other assets, especially […]

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Can a Non-United States Citizen Serve as a Trustee for a Maryland Trust?

The short answer is yes. Maryland law does not require that a trustee to be a U.S. citizen. According to the Maryland Trust Act, there are only four requirements for a person to qualify as a trustee: They must be 18 years of age, willing to accept the appointment, competent to act within the role, […]

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Why Using an Online Deed Template for Estate Planning Purposes is a Bad Idea

Online legal forms, including deed templates, are easily available and can be tempting to use when transferring a property to a family member. This may seem like an easy and inexpensive solution, but it often leads to unexpected problems, which may not arise until a bank, lender, or title company reviews the deed. In Maryland, […]

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Which Assets Should You Leave Out of Your Revocable Trust in Maryland?

A revocable living trust is a powerful way to simplify the probate process for your surviving loved ones. If properly structured, a trust can enable your property to bypass probate in Maryland, which can save time and reduce costs.   Most revocable trusts include a variety of assets, including real estate or investment properties, bank […]

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Things to Consider Before Modifying a Life Estate Deed in Maryland

Life estate deeds are commonly used for estate planning purposes and to avoid probate. If you would like to learn more about life estate deeds, please read our blog post “What Are Life Estate Deeds in Maryland?”   If you are considering modifying your life estate deed, there are some things you should keep in […]

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Incorporating Your Maryland Timeshare Into Your Estate Plan

Timeshares are owned in one of two ways: leased or deeded. Leased, or contractual, ownership provides you with use of the property for specific periods of time. In most cases, the lease is not terminated upon death and there may be limitations on inheritance. When a person passes away, the decedent’s estate is required to […]

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Can a Non-U.S. Citizen Create a Last Will and Testament in Maryland?

The short answer is yes, Maryland law allows non-U.S. citizens to create a Last Will and Testament provided they are at least 18 years of age and of sound mind. Keep in mind that each state may have specific laws governing what a Will should contain, how it should be executed, and any legal requirements […]

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