What are the legal requirements and process for transferring a decedent’s firearms during probate in Maryland (MD)?
How to legally transfer a decedent’s firearms during probate in Maryland Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For decisions about a specific estate or transfer, consult a Maryland probate attorney and the Maryland State Police or a licensed firearms dealer. Detailed answer — overview of the legal requirements […]
Read article →What documentation is needed to prove ownership when filing a surplus funds claim in Maryland (MD)?
FAQ: Proving Ownership to File a Surplus Funds Claim in Maryland Short answer: To claim surplus funds in Maryland you must prove you own the interest that is entitled to the money. Typical proofs include a recorded deed, title report, tax bills showing owner name, certified probate or letters testamentary, corporate or trust formation documents, […]
Read article →How to protect life insurance proceeds when there is no named beneficiary from creditor claims in estate administration — MD
Detailed answer — how life insurance proceeds are handled in Maryland when there is no named beneficiary This answer explains what typically happens to life insurance proceeds if the decedent did not name (or the named beneficiary predeceased and no contingent beneficiary exists) and what an estate representative and heirs can do to protect proceeds […]
Read article →What should I do if an heir refuses to return estate property and the estate is still open (Maryland, MD)
Detailed Answer Quick summary: If an heir refuses to return estate property while an estate is still open in Maryland, the personal representative (executor/administrator) should document the loss, send a formal demand, and — if the heir does not comply — ask the Orphans' Court to order turnover or pursue a civil action (replevin or […]
Read article →What options do heirs have when an estate administrator becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets? (MD)
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Maryland, heirs who face an unresponsive or refusing estate administrator (personal representative) can demand documentation, ask the Register of Wills or Orphans' Court for help, seek a court-ordered accounting, petition to remove or surcharge the personal representative, request bond relief or an appointment of a successor, and — if needed […]
Read article →How Can Heirs Petition the Maryland Court to Reopen a Closed Estate to Claim Unclaimed Assets?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When an estate closes, the Orphans’ Court issues a final order and distributes assets to the heirs and beneficiaries. Sometimes new assets emerge after closing: bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, real property, or refunds. Maryland law permits certain interested […]
Read article →What is the process for inventorying and distributing estate assets among multiple heirs in Maryland?
Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When an individual passes away in Maryland, the probate process governs how the estate's assets get inventoried and distributed among heirs. The personal representative plays a central role from […]
Read article →How Do Heirs Locate and Claim Unclaimed Property of a Deceased Relative in MD?
How Heirs Locate and Claim Unclaimed Property of a Deceased Relative in Maryland Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Understanding Maryland’s Unclaimed Property Program In Maryland, unclaimed property includes dormant bank accounts, insurance proceeds, utility refunds, safe […]
Read article →What factors influence the timeline for completing the probate process in Maryland?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer The timeline for probating an estate in Maryland depends on several key factors: Size and Complexity of the Estate: Estates with multiple properties, business interests or out-of-state assets require additional appraisals, title searches and coordination with other jurisdictions. Creditor Claims […]
Read article →What Are the Risks of Probating a Father's Estate Without Legal Representation in Maryland?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Maryland probate law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific circumstances. Detailed Answer When you probate your father’s estate in Maryland without legal representation, you assume full responsibility for each step under the Maryland Estates & Trusts Code. You must know […]
Read article →