how the maryland probate process can affect your family

ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF

HOW THE MARYLAND PROBATE PROCESS

CAN AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

Understanding the Impact of the Maryland

Probate Process


What is the Maryland Probate Process?

The Maryland probate process is a process by which an estate’s affairs are resolved following a

death.


It is an official court process which, in Maryland, takes place in the

Orphan’s Court.


THE MARYLAND PROBATE PROCESS AFFECTS FAMILIES


The family members of the deceased are affected by the

probate process in many ways.


Some of the ways that the probate process can impact the family of the

person who passed away include the following:


COMPLICATED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


The probate process can be complicated.


There are many requirements to fulfill during this process.


It can be difficult for a family to go through the probate process as

they grieve their loss.


STRESS FOR THE EXECUTOR


The executor has many obligations during the probate process.


Often, the executor is someone who is a close family member of the

deceased.


The deceased person names an executor in a will and the court appoints the chosen executor.


An executor may experience a lot of stress from taking care of the

property of the deceased and doing all the tasks required of him.


A DELAY IN AN INHERITANCE


The probate process takes a long time and those who stand to inherit from the will cannot access estate assets during the probate process.


Financial hardship sometimes results from the delay in receiving

an inheritance.


POSSIBLE LOSS OF VALUE OF ESTATE ASSETS

During the probate process, the executor is expected to manage property and prevent loss.


Sometimes, however, assets do lose value because of the delay in transferring ownership to new

owners.


For example, a family business could lose value because there is

uncertainty surrounding the transition to the new company’s

owner.


COSTS OF PROBATE


Probate can cost money in court costs and fees.


This can reduce the value of an inheritance.


GETTING LEGAL HELP


A Maryland estate planning lawyer can help to create a plan that

allows you to avoid probate if you do not want your family to have to

cope with this process.


A probate lawyer can also guide families through the probate

process to try to reduce the stress.


Contact an attorney today for help.


Visit our website www.sinclairprosserlaw.com

Nicole Livingston

Jon J. Gasior

Colleen SinclairProsser

Victor A. Lembo

https://www.sinclairprosserlaw.com/

how the maryland probate process can affect your family

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