Dying intestate in Maryland means that a person has died without a valid will or other estate planning documents. When a person dies intestate, Maryland’s intestacy laws govern how their assets and property are distributed.

Under Maryland intestacy law, if a person dies without a will, their assets and property will be distributed to their heirs according to a specific order of priority. The deceased person’s surviving spouse and children are typically the first in line to inherit the estate, with the spouse receiving a portion of the estate and the children receiving the remaining balance. If the deceased person has no surviving spouse or children, their parents, siblings, or more distant relatives may be considered heirs and may be entitled to a share of the estate.

It is important to note that dying intestate can be a complicated and time-consuming process, and it can result in the distribution of the deceased person’s assets and property in a manner that does not reflect their wishes. To avoid this, it is recommended to create a valid will or other estate planning documents to ensure that your assets and property are distributed according to your wishes. A qualified attorney can provide guidance and assistance with creating a will or other estate planning documents in Maryland.

Click here to visit RELEP’s Estate Planning and Probate webpage.