The Maryland probate process is a process by which an estate’s affairs are resolved following a death. It is an official court process which, in Maryland, takes place in the Orphan’s Court. Learn more about probate process in Maryland in this presentation.

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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