Understanding the Maryland Probate Process: What Executors and Beneficiaries Need to Know

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. If you’ve been named as the executor of an estate, or if you are a beneficiary of a loved one’s estate, understanding the Maryland probate process is crucial to ensuring that everything is handled correctly and efficiently.

What is Probate?

Probate involves validating the deceased person’s will, paying any outstanding debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. If the deceased did not have a will, the estate will be distributed according to Maryland’s intestacy laws.

Steps in the Probate Process

The Maryland probate process typically involves the following steps:

Filing the Will: The will must be filed with the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased lived.
Appointment of Personal Representative: The executor (also known as the personal representative) is appointed to manage the estate.
Inventory and Appraisal: The personal representative is responsible for identifying and valuing all of the estate’s assets.
Payment of Debts and Taxes: Any debts owed by the estate, including taxes, must be paid before assets can be distributed to beneficiaries.
Distribution of Assets: After debts are paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries named in the will or according to intestacy laws.

Why You Need an Attorney

The probate process can be complicated, especially for larger estates or those with disputes between beneficiaries. A probate attorney can help ensure that everything is handled properly and that the estate is administered in accordance with Maryland law.

How Raby Law Office Can Help

At Raby Law Office, we provide experienced legal guidance to executors and beneficiaries throughout the probate process. Whether you’re managing an estate or are a beneficiary, we can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you need assistance with probate in Maryland, contact Raby Law Office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure that the estate is administered efficiently and fairly.

Need some help? Let’s have a chat about your situation and see how we can help!