Maryland: Using a Small Estate Affidavit for an Intestate Estate — When It Works and When It Doesn't
Can you use a small estate affidavit in Maryland for an intestate estate instead of formal probate? Short answer: Possibly — but it depends on the assets, the type of property, and whether the statutory conditions for Maryland’s small estate procedure are met. A small estate affidavit can be used to collect certain personal property […]
Read article →How to Open Probate in Maryland for a Sibling’s Estate When You Live Out of State
Opening Probate in Maryland from Another State: A Practical FAQ Disclaimer: This is general information and not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Maryland attorney or the county Register of Wills. Detailed answer: how to start probate in Maryland when you live out of state If your sibling lived in […]
Read article →How to Settle a Parent’s Estate in Maryland and Handle Property in Another State
FAQ: Step-by-step guide to settling a parent’s estate in Maryland and handling property in another state Detailed answer — what to do first and next This FAQ explains the common steps to open probate and settle a decedent’s estate under Maryland law, and how to handle real property or other assets located in another state. […]
Read article →Maryland — How to File and Record a Deed After a Spouse’s Death so a Child Becomes Owner
How to transfer real property after a spouse’s death in Maryland — step-by-step FAQ Short answer: The exact steps depend on how the property was titled when your wife died. If the surviving owner already had a right of survivorship (for example, joint tenancy or tenancy by the entireties), you usually record a certified death […]
Read article →Maryland — Requiring a Co‑Heir to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout
When Can a Co‑Heir Be Required to Reimburse an Appraisal in a Maryland Estate Buyout? Short answer: It depends on whether the appraisal was paid as an estate administration expense (by the personal representative) or privately by a co‑heir, and on whether the heirs have an agreement or court order allocating costs. Maryland probate procedures […]
Read article →Maryland: Do I need a transfer-on-death deed or payable-on-death designation if my will leaves everything to my daughter?
Do I still need a transfer-on-death deed or payable-on-death designation if my will leaves everything to my daughter? Short answer No — your will names who should get your property through probate, but it does not replace transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds or payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary designations. TOD/POD tools and jointly titled ownership transfer property outside probate. […]
Read article →How to Transfer a Deceased Parent's House to Children in Maryland
Detailed Answer When a person in Maryland dies without a will (intestate), their real property does not automatically transfer to children simply because they are the children. The property passes according to Maryland's intestacy rules and through the probate process unless the property was owned in a way that already passes ownership at death (for […]
Read article →Taking Over a Parent's Mortgage After Death in Maryland: Steps You Need to Know
Detailed Answer: How to take over a deceased parent’s mortgage in Maryland This article explains, in plain language, what typically must happen if you want to keep your father’s house and take over the mortgage after he dies. It covers how title and the mortgage interact, common lender rules, Maryland probate pathways, and practical next […]
Read article →Proving Paternity for Inheritance in Maryland: What to Do if Your Dad's Name Is Not on Your Birth Certificate
Short answer Yes. In Maryland, a missing paternal name on a birth certificate does not automatically prevent you from inheriting from your biological father. You will need to establish parentage through legal or medical proof (for example, DNA testing or court adjudication). The courts and probate system accept a range of evidence to recognize a […]
Read article →Protecting Your Inheritance in Maryland When an Estate Is Contested
Protecting an Inheritance When an Estate Is Contested: A Maryland Guide Quick overview: If someone challenges an estate in Maryland, take immediate, practical steps to protect the inheritance you expect to receive. This article explains common legal issues, practical protections, and next steps under Maryland law. This is educational only and not legal advice. Detailed […]
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