A probate attorney can help you determine if the estate needs to go through the probate process. Regular Estate - property of the decedent subject to administration in Maryland is es- tablished to have a value in excess of $50,000 (in excess of $100,000 if spouse is sole heir).
Property held as “payable on death” will pass to the designated beneficiaries. Assets that are held in a revocable or irrevocable trust will pass to the beneficiaries named under the trust instrument without going through probate (unless the trust terminates and provides the assets are to be distributed to the estate).
Independent Administration Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary. Form 7-2. Application for Probate of Copy of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary. Form 7-3. Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters of Independent Administration. Form 7-4.
Create a Revocable Living Trust One of the most effective strategies to bypass Maryland probate is establishing a Revocable Living Trust. This flexible tool allows you to retain control over your assets during your lifetime, with the ability to alter or dissolve the trust as your circumstances or wishes change.
Generally, if an individual dies with assets in his or her sole name, probate will be required. In addition, even if an individual dies with an original last will and testament and no assets in his or her sole name, the original will must be filed with the Register of Wills office.
In Maryland, when a person dies and they own any assets in their name, those assets would have to go through the probate process. The person who's named in the will as the personal representative would have to open an estate with the court.
What To Do If You Need to Open an Estate Proof of death. Decedent's Last Will and Testament. Consents to Appointment from Interested Persons. Resident Agent Form. Documentation for any funeral expenses. Value of assets titled in the decedent's name alone. Names and addresses of interested persons in the estate.
Probate opens in the deceased's state of residence. You cannot move probate to your state. If the decedent owned property in other states, you must also open ancillary proceedings in those states. You may need to retain legal counsel in each state to help with ancillary probate.