How the Maryland Probate Process Can Affect Your Family

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HOW THE MARYLAND PROBATE PROCESS

CAN AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

Understanding the Impact of the Maryland

Probate Process

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What is the Maryland Probate Process?

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

death.

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

Orphan’s Court.

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THE MARYLAND PROBATE PROCESS AFFECTS FAMILIES

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The family members of the deceased are affected by the

probate process in many ways.

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

person who passed away include the following:

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COMPLICATED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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The probate process can be complicated.

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There are many requirements to fulfill during this process.

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

they grieve their loss.

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STRESS FOR THE EXECUTOR

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The executor has many obligations during the probate process.

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

deceased.

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

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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.

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A DELAY IN AN INHERITANCE

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

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Financial hardship sometimes results from the delay in receiving

an inheritance.

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POSSIBLE LOSS OF VALUE OF ESTATE ASSETS

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

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

owners.

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

uncertainty surrounding the transition to the new company’s

owner.

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COSTS OF PROBATE

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Probate can cost money in court costs and fees.

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This can reduce the value of an inheritance.

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GETTING LEGAL HELP

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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.

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A probate lawyer can also guide families through the probate

process to try to reduce the stress.

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Contact an attorney today for help.

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Visit our website www.sinclairprosserlaw.com

Nicole Livingston

Jon J. Gasior

Colleen SinclairProsser

Victor A. Lembo