How to Choose a Probate Attorney
In most cases, going through the probate process is necessary when a loved one passes away. In fact, Maryland state law requires most estates to go through the probate process to ensure stipulations of the last will and testament are honored and the estate is handled appropriately. It’s not required to have a probate attorney
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A Guide to Maryland Probate Court
When someone passes away, the process of administering their estate is called probate. This is a court-supervised process that involves organizing the deceased’s money, assets, and possessions, and distributing them properly as inheritance (after paying taxes and debts). If the person left a will, it will name an executor of the estate who will help
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Considerations for Choosing an Executor
Choosing an executor for your will is a major decision. Your executor is tasked with ensuring your hard-earned assets, personal belongings, and other valuables will be distributed to the people you choose. Acting as the executor of an estate can require a lot of time and energy. The process of settling an estate can sometimes
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Glossary of Important Probate Terms to Know
Probate is the legal process for settling the estates for people who pass away. This includes authenticating a will (if there is one) and naming the executor, who will then distribute the deceased’s property and belongings. However, if there is no will, it’s up to the courts to handle these proceedings and make decisions about
Read MoreWhy is Hiring a Lawyer for a Will Better Than Using Online Software?
The first, and most essential, step in estate planning is composing a will. Your last will and testament let you decide who receives your worldly goods once you die. Think of it as the ultimate financial planning document. Failure to leave a will means your estate falls under Maryland’s law of intestate succession, and your
Read MoreSettling An Estate? Work with a Probate Attorney for Probate Administration/Litigation Advice
It is difficult to deal with our grief when a loved one dies. Our emotional struggles may be compounded by financial and legal stress if we are responsible for overseeing their estate. Probate law in Maryland can be difficult to understand for laypeople and lawyers alike. A probate attorney from the Law Office of Blackford
Read MoreWhat are the Three New House/Senate Bills for Anne Arundel, Maryland?
Since news outlets usually focus on international and national matters, it’s easy for new legislation on the county level to receive less attention than it deserves. In 2016, Governor Larry Hogan signed 106 bills into law, three of which specifically affect Anne Arundel county government. Senate Bill 47 Sponsored by Senator Bryan Simonaire, R-Pasadena, Senate
Read MoreHow Donald Trump’s Presidency May Impact Estates in Maryland
The 2016 Presidential campaign had varying proposals from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in many different areas. One area with the most pronounced differences between the two was on estates. When looking a policy around estate related issues, taxation typically is the most heated topic. On the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton proposed a 65%
Read MoreTypical Estate/Probate Attorney Fees in Maryland
What happens to the soul of a person after death remains a great unknown. What happens to the worldly goods left behind – and titled solely in their name – is no mystery. Those items become their estate. Through his or her will, the person bequeaths the estate to beneficiaries and names a person to
Read MoreWhat Happens if You Die Without a Will in Maryland?
No one wants to think about his or her own death, but it’s a fact of life. You’ve worked hard all of your life and want your assets to go to your loved ones. If you don’t have a will, the state of Maryland decides who gets your worldly goods. That may not match your
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