Wills & Probate
Making a will is an important and sometimes complicated matter that requires informed decision-making and familiarity with the law. Similarly, legal knowledge is valuable during the probate process, when estate matters are handled after death. Our experienced lawyers provide assistance in all aspects of wills and probate to clients in the Maryland / Washington D.C. area.
Wills
A will is a legal document that allows you to instruct how your property will be distributed after death. Anyone who owns property should prepare a will, no matter the size of the estate. This is especially true if you have children, are married or recently divorced, or wish to make a special gift to a loved one.
In addition to distribution of property, a legal will allows you to make directives regarding your health care, your finances, and the care of your children. By articulating your personal preferences in your will, you can simplify the legal process, eliminate confusion, and prevent unpleasant family disputes. Our knowledgeable estate planning lawyers can help you draft a new will or amend an existing will to reflect your current wishes. Our lawyers are also experienced in drafting medical and financial powers of attorney and living wills to assist your family and doctors in making important decisions in the event you are unable to do so. We strongly encourage you to contact our firm in order to protect your assets and interests.
Probate
Probate is the legal process by which the courts settle the affairs of a deceased person and distribute his or her property. The court must inventory the deceased's property, have the property appraised, pay debts and taxes, and distribute remaining property according to a legal will or state law. This can be a complicated process, whether or not the deceased left a will. It involves formalistic procedures and very strict deadlines.
Probate can be also be difficult if you need to collect a debt from a deceased person's estate. In such an event, you may have to file a creditor's claim in probate court. Because collection against an estate is subject to strict deadlines, you should contact a probate attorney immediately to determine what must be done to collect on the debt.
The probate process is time-consuming and emotional. Our experienced probate lawyers can lessen the burden by handling outstanding legal matters on your behalf. We can help you determine whether an estate is subject to probate and can assist you with any estate matters that need to be handled.
TO SET UP A CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS ESTATE PLANNING AND WILLS, CONTACT US ONLINE OR CALL US AT (301) 986-4555.