Top Brandywine, MD Probate Lawyers Near You
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4550 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 900N, Bethesda, MD 20814
Clients in the Brandywine, Maryland area who need legal help with Probate issues can connect with Chisholm Law Group, LLC.
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4201 Mitchellville Rd, Suite 500, Bowie, MD 20716
Adams Law Office, LLC helps Brandywine clients with their Probate needs.
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800 W, Bethesda, MD 20814
Other Nearby Offices
Those seeking legal help with Probate can reach out to McDonald Law Firm, LLC, a local practice representing people in Brandywine, Maryland.
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Probate Lawyers | Serving Brandywine, MD
6411 Ivy Lane, Suite 202, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Get assistance for your Probate issue in the Brandywine, Maryland area. Randle & Randle Attorneys At Law, LLC can help.
Probate Lawyers | Serving Brandywine, MD
5407 Water Street, Suite 208, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
William J. Monks, Attorney at Law, LLC helps clients in the Brandywine area with their Maryland Probate needs.
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Probate Lawyers | Serving Brandywine, MD
6616 Radnor Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
Law Office of Elizabeth Forgotson Goldberg has years of experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Brandywine, Maryland.
2000 Spencerville Rd, Spencerville, MD 20868
A law firm in Brandywine, Maryland, Simpson Law, PA experienced in helping clients with Probate issues.
5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 760, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
1 Research Ct, Suite 450, Rockville, MD 20850
12505 Park Potomac Ave, Potomac, MD 20854
4450 Mitchellville Rd, #1244, Bowie, MD 20716
11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 708, Rockville, MD 20852
11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 708, Rockville, MD 20852
100 Lexington Dr, Second Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20901
9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
301 S Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2328
8400 Corporate Dr, Suite 230, Landover, MD 20785
611 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
51 Monroe Place, Suite 1401, Rockville, MD 20850
7101 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 1301, Bethesda, MD 20814
31 Wood Lane, First Floor, Rockville, MD 20850-2228
9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Suite 710, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
5257 Buckeystown Pike, #190, Frederick, MD 21704
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20814
751 Rockville Pike, Suite 7, Rockville, MD 20852-1142
Brandywine Probate Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Brandywine
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Brandywine and checks their standing with Maryland bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Maryland and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Maryland and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Brandywine?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Maryland?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts