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ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
HOW THE MARYLAND PROBATE PROCESS
CAN AFFECT YOUR FAMILY
Understanding the Impact of the Maryland
Probate Process
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
What is the Maryland Probate Process?
The Maryland probate process is a process by which an estate’s affairs are resolved following a
death.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
It is an official court process which, in Maryland, takes place in the
Orphan’s Court.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
THE MARYLAND PROBATE PROCESS AFFECTS FAMILIES
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
The family members of the deceased are affected by the
probate process in many ways.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
Some of the ways that the probate process can impact the family of the
person who passed away include the following:
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
COMPLICATED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
The probate process can be complicated.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
There are many requirements to fulfill during this process.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
It can be difficult for a family to go through the probate process as
they grieve their loss.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
STRESS FOR THE EXECUTOR
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
The executor has many obligations during the probate process.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
Often, the executor is someone who is a close family member of the
deceased.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
The deceased person names an executor in a will and the court appoints the chosen executor.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
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.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
A DELAY IN AN INHERITANCE
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
The probate process takes a long time and those who stand to inherit from the will cannot access estate assets during the probate process.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
Financial hardship sometimes results from the delay in receiving
an inheritance.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
POSSIBLE LOSS OF VALUE OF ESTATE ASSETS
During the probate process, the executor is expected to manage property and prevent loss.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
Sometimes, however, assets do lose value because of the delay in transferring ownership to new
owners.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
For example, a family business could lose value because there is
uncertainty surrounding the transition to the new company’s
owner.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
COSTS OF PROBATE
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
Probate can cost money in court costs and fees.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
This can reduce the value of an inheritance.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
GETTING LEGAL HELP
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
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.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
A probate lawyer can also guide families through the probate
process to try to reduce the stress.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
Contact an attorney today for help.
ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF
Visit our website www.sinclairprosserlaw.com
Nicole Livingston
Jon J. Gasior
Colleen SinclairProsser
Victor A. Lembo