Estates & Trusts
Inheritance Taxes in Maryland: Who Pays and How Much?
Maryland imposes an inheritance tax on certain beneficiaries who receive property from a deceased person’s estate, depending on their relationship to the decedent. Unlike estate taxes, Maryland inheritance tax may apply to both probate and non-probate assets, making it an important consideration in estate planning. What Is the Maryland Inheritance Tax? The Maryland inheritance tax…
Read MoreWhat Happens to Digital Assets After You Die?
Digital assets—such as email accounts, social media profiles, online photos, and financial accounts—do not automatically disappear when someone dies, and without planning, they can be difficult for loved ones to access or manage. From family photos stored in the cloud to online banking and social media accounts, digital assets have become an increasingly important part…
Read MoreEstate Administration Timeline in Maryland: How Long Does Probate Take?
Estate administration in Maryland typically takes several months to complete, but the exact timeline depends on the size of the estate, the type of probate required, and whether complications arise during the process. The length of estate administration in Maryland often varies depending on whether the estate qualifies as a small estate or a regular…
Read MoreWhat Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will in Maryland?
When someone dies without a will in Maryland, their estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws, which determine who inherits property and who may serve as the personal representative. Dying without a will—known as dying “intestate”—often requires formal estate administration in Maryland and can complicate the probate process for surviving family members. What Does…
Read MoreCommon Mistakes in Maryland Estate Administration
Common mistakes in Maryland estate administration often occur when deadlines are missed, assets are mishandled, or probate requirements are misunderstood, leading to delays, added costs, or personal liability for the personal representative. Many of these issues arise during estate administration in Maryland because personal representatives are unfamiliar with probate procedures or attempt to navigate the…
Read MoreThe Role of a Personal Representative in Maryland
In Maryland, a personal representative is the individual appointed by the court to manage and administer a deceased person’s estate, including collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries. The personal representative plays a central role in estate administration in Maryland and is responsible for ensuring that probate requirements are…
Read MoreSmall Estates vs. Regular Estates in Maryland
In Maryland, estates are classified as either small estates or regular estates based on the value of probate assets, which determines the type of probate process that applies. Understanding whether an estate qualifies as a small estate or a regular estate is critical because it affects filing requirements, timelines, and the level of court supervision…
Read MoreDo You Need to Open an Estate in Maryland?
In Maryland, an estate generally must be opened when a person dies owning assets in their individual name that do not automatically transfer to a surviving owner or named beneficiary. When an Estate Is Usually Required in Maryland An estate typically must be opened when the decedent owned: Real estate titled solely in their name…
Read MoreWhat Is Estate Administration in Maryland?
Estate administration in Maryland is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s affairs after death, including collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries under court supervision.This article provides a basic overview of estate administration in Maryland and is intended to help families understand the process and what steps…
Read MoreObtaining an EIN for an Estate or Trust
Obtaining an EIN for an Estate or Trust When administering an estate or trust, one of the first and most important steps is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is required to properly manage tax filings, open estate or trust bank accounts, and carry out fiduciary duties…
Read More