The death of a loved one opens the door to countless legal issues concerning the deceased person’s estate and private affairs. Probate law is the process by which a deceased individual’s property and assets are distributed, and these laws differ from state to state. The presence of a will simplifies the probate procedures by legally stating the intentions of the deceased, but factors such as taxes, debt and joint ownership can significantly lengthen the process. While probate law in Maryland is very straightforward, there are several tips that you should keep in mind when dealing with a probate case.
Contact Andalman & Flynn for questions regarding probate and estate planning in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. Our qualified team is more than happy to assist you.
1. The Will
The distribution of an estate depends primarily on the conditions set forth in a deceased person’s Last Will and Testament. The Last Will and Testament may be on file with the Register of Wills in the Maryland County where the decedent resided and, if so, it can be obtained from the office. When the Will is initially drafted, an executor or personal representative is typically chosen to carry out the conditions of the Will.
If more than one Will exists, generally the most recent document is upheld unless a previous version of the Will is republished. The intent of a Will may be altered under special circumstances, such as divorce or remarriage and the resulting offspring.
Click here to learn when the Last Will and Testament is invalid.
2. Intestate Succession
According to Maryland probate law, a personal representative is appointed by the state based on the rules of succession when no executor was specified by the decedent. In the event that there is no will, the state will declare an “intestate succession” and divide the decedent’s property between the surviving spouse, children or the next living blood relatives.
However, other factors can still affect the distribution of the estate, including the age of the decedent and the existence of surviving relatives. For instance, when the decedent is a minor, the closest living relatives would be the child’s parents. However, a parent who was absent and failed to support the minor for three or more years preceding the child’s death would forfeit their claim to succession.
3. Probate Fees
The Register of Wills assesses a probate fee that is proportionate to the size of the estate being distributed. If the value of the estate increases after the initial probate process, the fees may increase as well.
4. Settling Debts
The decedent’s personal representative is responsible for issuing a public notice announcing the initiation of the probate process. The decedent’s creditors are then granted an opportunity to file a claim for compensation of debts. If the individual’s assets are not sufficient to cover every claim, the personal representative must pay the debts by order of importance. Maryland probate law requires that fees to the Register of Wills be paid first, followed by expenses such as administration costs, funeral expenses, family allowances, and taxes.
5. Disputes with Creditors
Upon notifying debt claimants of a probate account, the personal representative typically has the option to bar further claims after a specified time. Failure to do so can lead to a personal dispute between the personal representative and the decedent’s creditors, resulting in the loss of assets received from the estate. However, the representative cannot be held liable for expenses that exceed the amount received from the distribution.
For more information regarding estate and probate planning in Maryland, read our estate and probate planning FAQ.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance with the Probate Process in Maryland
At Andalman & Flynn, we take a common sense approach to probate and estate planning. Whether you have been selected as a personal representative or you are planning the administration of your own estate, we will meet you with to get a complete understanding of your family situation, assets, and liabilities so that we can efficiently and effectively provide assistance.
For more information on the estate planning process in Maryland or to schedule a consultation with our attorneys in the areas of wills, trusts, probate and estates, contact us. Fill out an online contact form or call 301-563-6685 to speak with us by phone.