Every state has its own requirements for valid wills. If you are planning your will, it is absolutely vital that you understand what these requirements are to avoid problems with your estate. Your attorney should know what these issues are and review them with you in order to ensure that there are no questions or concerns.
What must a will include?
Maryland has few stipulations for making sure a will is valid, but they are important to adhere to. The requirements for wills in this state include the following:
– The will must be signed by the individual who is making the will.
– Two witnesses must be present and attest to witnessing the signing of the will.
– The attestation that the witnesses and signer of the will sign must be in a format that is acceptable in the state of Maryland.
It is worth noting that wills signed in another state are valid in Maryland. However, the will must be valid in the state in which the will was signed.
Important considerations
It is in your best interests to understand these requirements as you plan a will. According to Maryland estate law, if there is no will, the probate process will determine how your estate is handled. This means that the assets will be distributed by a judge with spouses, children, and other relatives being able to claim a certain share. This, of course, is less than ideal as it means that the deceased will lose all control in the distribution of their estate. It also may set up an expensive legal battle.
Make sure to review these issues and gather any necessary paperwork when planning your estate. Doing so can help to simplify the process and address potential issues before they crop up.