Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s assets and property are distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries under the supervision of a court. In Maryland, probate is a court-supervised process that ensures that the deceased person’s assets are distributed in accordance with their wishes or Maryland law, if there is no valid will.

During probate, the court oversees the administration of the deceased person’s estate, including the identification and valuation of assets, the payment of outstanding debts and taxes, and the distribution of property to heirs or beneficiaries. The process can be complex and time-consuming, and it can involve multiple court appearances and legal fees.

In Maryland, the probate process begins by filing a petition for administration with the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased person lived. The petition should include information about the deceased person’s assets, property, debts, and potential heirs or beneficiaries. The court will then appoint an executor or personal representative to oversee the probate process and ensure that the deceased person’s wishes or Maryland law is followed.

It is important to note that not all assets are subject to probate, and some may pass directly to beneficiaries or heirs outside of the probate process. It is recommended to consult with a qualified attorney to understand the Maryland probate process and the options available for estate planning and asset distribution.

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