Understanding Fiduciary Duties in Estate Administration Navigating the Complexities of Probate Probate can be a complex and emotionally challenging process for families dealing with the loss of a loved one. It involves settling the deceased person’s (the “decedent”) financial affairs, distributing their assets according to their will or state law, and paying any outstanding debts. […]

Maryland Tax Court Reverses Inheritance Tax on Investment Accounts The Initial Assessment and Subsequent Errors Initially, the Register of Wills used incorrect tax rates to calculate the first assessment on the estate. Subsequently, the second and final assessments were levied against the taxpayer instead of the estate itself. Paying to Avoid Penalties To avoid potential […]

Probate Matters: Understanding the Process and Its Importance Why Probate Exists Probate is a legal process that involves overseeing the distribution of assets after someone passes away. It’s typically overseen by a local court, which ensures the deceased person’s will is valid and their assets are distributed according to their wishes. The Purpose of Probate […]

Mobile Home in Probate: Determining Status When it’s Unclear Probate can be a complex process, especially when dealing with unique assets like mobile homes. One common issue arises when the status of a mobile home in probate is unclear – specifically, whether it’s considered personal property (movable) or real property (fixed to the land). This […]

Can a Verbal Agreement on Personal Property Hold Up in Probate? Understanding Intestacy and Personal Property Distribution When someone passes away without leaving a valid will (known as dying “intestate”), state law determines how their assets, including personal property, are distributed. Intestacy laws vary by state, but generally, the deceased’s spouse and children inherit their […]

## News and Notes from 2025 Estate Planning Study News and Notes from 2025 Estate Planning Study Current Insights into Estate Planning in 2025 The 2025 Trust & Will Estate Planning Report is the largest estate planning survey conducted. With 10,000 participants it allows us to look at the estate planning industry through the eyes […]

“`html Paralyzed by Estate Planning? Take Control of Your Legacy Estate planning can feel overwhelming, like a massive puzzle with too many pieces. It’s easy to procrastinate, especially when you’re busy with everyday life. But the truth is, estate planning isn’t just about your possessions; it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored and protecting those […]

Understanding the Probate Process What is Probate? Probate is a legal process that happens after someone passes away. It’s all about making sure their will (if they had one) is valid and that their assets are distributed according to their wishes or state laws if there wasn’t a will. Why Probate Matters Probate might seem […]

Estate Tax Exemptions: What Happens in 2025? The TCJA and Estate Taxes In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) significantly impacted estate taxes. It doubled the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption. This means that individuals can pass on a larger amount of wealth to their heirs before facing federal estate […]

Understanding Inheritance Tax Laws The Basics Inheritance tax can be a complex area of law, and it’s important to understand the rules in your jurisdiction. These rules determine when an estate is subject to tax, and what assets are included. One common point of contention involves trusts. A trust document dictates how assets are managed […]