When a person passes away without a will (or, in the case of certain assets, without designated beneficiaries), the decedent’s assets are distributed according to what is known as intestate succession. In this situation, “who gets what” follows strict guidelines established by the state of Maryland. Broadly speaking, these guidelines mandate that assets be distributed …

Let’s begin with a look at the numbers. The current federal estate tax exemption is $11.7 million for individuals and $23.4 for couples filing jointly. Assets in excess of these amounts will be taxed at a graduated rate between 18 and 40 percent depending on the size of the estate. In Maryland, the 2021 exemption …

In Maryland, an executor (also known as a personal representative) plays a crucial role when it is time to settle an estate and distribute assets after a loved one has passed away. Working with an attorney who has knowledge and experience in estate administration is also crucial, since the attorney can help make this complex …

Let’s start with some context. First, as we have noted in previous blog posts, probate is a court-supervised process whereby an individual’s debts are paid and the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries after the individual in question passes away. (The person who has died is known as the decedent.) Second, probate is not required …

As the name implies, a demand letter “demands” that the letter’s recipient take specific actions to resolve a conflict. Demand letters are frequently used by businesses to demand restitution or the payment of a debt, and they often serve as a precursor to a lawsuit. In general, a demand letter contains all of the following: …

Let’s start with the good news. The vast majority of us are not subject to federal estate taxes because the current threshold is $11.7 million for individuals and $23.4 for couples filing jointly. Unfortunately, the threshold for Maryland’s estate tax is considerably less. If a Maryland resident passes away in 2021 and has an estate …

A contract is an agreement between private parties that creates mutual legal obligations. There are four fundamental elements necessary to make a contract legally enforceable: mutual assent, adequate consideration, capacity, and legality. The terms “void contract” and “voidable contract” may sound similar, but these two types of contracts are entirely different. A void contract cannot …

Home prices are skyrocketing nationwide thanks to low mortgage interest rates, strong demand, and limited supply. According to the National Association of Realtors, 88 percent of metropolitan areas in the U.S. saw double-digit price increases in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Realtor.com reports that as of April 3, …

A Letter of Intent, also called a Letter of Instruction, is a document outlining your wishes on a wide range of matters. Unlike a Last Will and Testament, which is a legally binding expression of your wishes, a Letter of Intent is an informal document. Your executor and loved ones are not required to abide …

One of the more common misconceptions about trusts is that they are only for celebrities and the wealthiest of families. Not so. Trusts can accomplish a wide range of planning objectives, many of which apply to “regular folks.” Let’s look at few examples. Avoiding Probate Probate is a legal process whereby an individual’s debts are …