Unfortunately, several different issues can invalidate a will including last-minute modifications, mental capacity concerns, and undue influence problems.
The process of distributing property under your Will is accomplished with a court proceeding referred to as “probate.” The probate process involves the Court appointing an executor (the “Personal Representative”), who is a person responsible for locating property, paying final debts and taxes, and distributing property ...
Maryland Law requires that any one holding an original Will and/or Codicil(s) must file that document with the Register of Wills promptly after a decedent's death even if there are no assets.
Maryland law requires that your will be in writing, signed by the testator (you) and witnessed by two individuals in the testator's presence. This is called "executing a will." When you are ready to execute your will, you should have at least two witnesses, although three is better.
If a court finds that an individual is suffering from dementia, is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is incapable of understanding the document being executed for some other reason, the court may invalidate the will on the grounds that the individual does not have testamentary capacity.
Contesting a Maryland will can be a complicated process. A will contest is often done through a caveat proceeding. There is a time for a caveat proceeding after – it is usually six months – an estate is opened, then that will can be caveated. A caveat or the challenge can be served for any number of reasons.
Do transfer on death deeds work in Maryland? No, Maryland does not recognize transfer on death deeds. These types of deeds allow for property to transfer to a named recipient as soon as the property owner dies.
A probate court monitors the probate process, which means the probate court can also have an executor removed. You can petition the court to have the executor removed, and once the old executor is removed, the court will find another representative to handle the estate.
Timelines for transferring property after the owner's death vary by state and can range from a few months to over a year.