Once an estate enters probate in Maryland, the process can take several months or even years in certain cases. In some cases, the most well-thought-out estate plans get tied up in probate, which leaves your heirs waiting for an extended period of time for the assets...
Month: January 2021
Month: January 2021
Tips for choosing your will’s executor
One of the big tasks that you will face if you are creating a will is choosing the right executor. The executor is responsible for taking your estate through the entire Maryland probate process, from the initial act of filing the will with the court through locating...
The most basic differences between wills and trusts
Estate planning is a popular wealth-building strategy used across Maryland to protect assets from unnecessary taxes, creditors, lawsuits and other threats. The process of estate planning encompasses many legal and financial tools, including wills and trusts. Here's a...
Entry-level thoughts you should have when estate planning
Many wealthy people in Maryland build their wealth through investments such as real estate, stocks and bonds. Even if you don't have a six-figure income or come from a wealthy lineage, you can still use estate planning strategies to protect your investments. Taking...
The truth about common divorce mediation myths
Some Maryland couples who are getting a divorce might want to consider mediation instead of litigation. However, others might not even give mediation a try because they have misconceptions about how it works. What is mediation? Mediation involves a neutral third party...
A collaborative divorce can save time and money
Divorce can be a very difficult process for a couple to experience. Maryland residents who are getting divorced would like to get it over with as quickly as possible. If there are a lot of issues that a couple needs to work out, friendly collaboration may be...
Estate planning for beneficiaries and heirs
Many Maryland residents assume that when it comes to inheritance, an heir is the same thing as a beneficiary. The two terms mean entirely different things, and which one you are will determine how an inheritance will be paid out. One of the many reasons that people...
Steps for administering an estate
After a person passes away, an estate must be established in order to distribute the person's assets. If a decedent has drafted a will, this process can be easier, but if a person does not have a will, an estate can still be established. Individuals in Maryland and...
What does an executor of the estate do?
A will commonly names an executor of the estate. If not, then the probate court may appoint one. Regardless of how someone becomes an executor in Maryland, the duty remains the same. The executor serves as an administrator for the deceased person who wrote the will....
How to contest a will in Maryland
Even though wills are legally binding documents that dictate how a deceased person’s assets are distributed, there are still legal options that allow you to formally contest the will. If certain criteria are met, wills can be contested and even nullified after the...