Best Probate Lawyers in Silver Spring

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Silver Spring, Maryland?

  301-279-8000 is the non-emergency contact number in Silver Spring and all of Montgomery County.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Silver Spring, Maryland?

  Residents of Silver Spring have two options to obtain a police report. They can either use the online portal or send a request by mail. The online portal can be accessed at https://records-montgomerycountymd.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/Supporthome.aspx. Alternatively, they can send their request to: Public Safety Headquarters, Records Division, 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.

  If you have any questions, contact the Records Section at 240-773-5330, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Records Section can also be reached via email at records.mcpd@montgomerycountymd.gov.

• What happens if multiple wills are found before probate in Silver Spring?

  In the event that multiple original wills are discovered, the general rule is that the will bearing the most recent date gets admitted to probate. This is because many wills contain a provision that revokes all prior wills. However, it is essential to present all original wills that have been found to the office of the Register of Wills after the individual's passing. This ensures that all relevant documents are properly reviewed and considered during the probate process.

• What if the personal representative in Silver Spring wishes to step down from their appointed role?

  If the named personal representative in Silver Spring wishes to step down from their appointed role, they have the option to resign. To do so, they must submit a written statement to the Register of Wills. However, it is important to note that before resigning, the personal representative must provide written notice to all individuals of interest, allowing them a minimum of 20 days to receive the notification. This ensures that all relevant parties are informed of the upcoming change.

• Are estate tax returns required for all estates in Silver Spring?

  No, the filing of estate tax returns is not required for every estate in Silver Spring. In the majority of cases, estates do not need to file a tax return unless the estate's total value exceeds a certain threshold. Currently, this threshold is set at $5 million and is further adjusted annually for inflation. As long as the estate's value falls below this threshold, there is no obligation to file an estate tax return.

• What is the timeline for creditors to file claims against an estate in Silver Spring?

  After the personal representative of an estate publishes mandatory notices in local newspapers (notice of appointment, notice to creditors, and notice to unknown heirs), creditors usually have six months from the first publication to file their claims against the estate. Once this timeframe expires, creditors may be barred from submitting new claims in Silver Spring.

• Are there simplified probate proceedings available in Silver Spring?

  Yes, simplified probate proceedings are available in Silver Spring for qualifying estates. If the probate assets are under $30,000 ($50,000 for spouses), "small estate" proceedings can be pursued, usually completed within two months. These proceedings don't require filing an inventory or obtaining Orphans' Court approval for administration accounts. Another option is a "modified estate administration," allowing estate closure within ten months without the involvemtn of the Orphans' Court. Not all estates qualify for this, so consulting the Register of Wills' office is recommended.

• What does a probate attorney do?

  Probate attorneys are licensed professionals who represent executors and heirs after someone has died. They provide personalized legal advice, assist with tax planning, settle debts, and facilitate the distribution of assets. Probate attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by probate courts, although some litigators focus on handling disputes and lawsuits related to contested estates.

• What is probate court?

  Probate court works with the family or beneficiaries of a deceased person to validate their last will and testament. The courts review the individual's will to identify and calculate assets, pay off remaining debts, and distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries per the deceased person's requests. Depending on state laws, property valued under a certain amount may not require probate.

• How long do you have to file probate after death?

  The amount of time loved ones have to file a will after a person dies varies from state to state. While California courts require probate to be filed within one year, New York has no deadline. That being said, it's advisable to file probate as quickly as possible once a person has died, as the process itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

• Does life insurance go through probate?

  Life insurance doesn't need to go through the probate courts if the deceased individual has named a beneficiary on their policy. However, life insurance policies without beneficiaries, or with beneficiaries who are either deceased themselves or cannot be contacted, go directly to the deceased individual's estate. When this happens, life insurance proceeds must go through probate court to determine how funds should be allocated.

• Do household items go through probate?

  While the exact rules do vary from state to state, most household items don't require probate and are automatically left to immediate families unless otherwise stated in the deceased person's will. When it comes to property, only items above a certain value or held in title are required to go through probate in most states.

• Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

  In the event a beneficiary has been named, bank accounts are not required to go through probate and will be paid directly to the person designated by the deceased individual. However, should that individual be deceased themselves or if contact cannot be made after a certain period of time, funds will be allocated to the estate and put through the probate process.

• What happens if no probate is filed?

  Depending on the circumstances, probate may not be required in all cases. If a person passes on and their remaining property is jointly owned, it automatically transfers to the other owner. However, if a property is not jointly owned and no probate has been filed, the executor of the will won't be able to transfer titles or cash assets to beneficiaries. Be aware that the specific laws surrounding probate requirements vary from state to state.

• What is probate real estate?

  Probate real estate is the process that happens when a realtor steps in to handle the sale or transfer of a deceased person's owned home to another individual. In some cases, the house is sold as a means of liquidating assets, and proceeds from the sale are used to pay debts or are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Can I probate a will or estate without an attorney?

  It is possible to probate a will and close an estate without hiring an attorney. However, it requires multiple steps and an understanding of the law. The first step is to petition the court to appoint a representative for the estate. Next, the executor must notify all heirs and creditors before switching ownership from the decedent to the estate. Once all debts, taxes, and final expenses have been paid, funds can be transferred to heirs. To close an estate, the executor must submit a report showing the court that all obligations and final wishes have been satisfied. While a will and estate may seem straightforward, things can get complicated quickly if multiple heirs are involved, or if disputes or disagreements arise over distribution. A probate lawyer can help navigate these disputes effectively, and take pressure off the executor when beneficiaries aren’t getting along.

• How many years can an estate remain in probate?

  If the will or proposed distribution of property is contested, an estate may remain in probate for several years. The timeline depends on how long relatives have to initiate probate, how long creditors have to come forward, and how busy the courts are. In some states, such as Florida, relatives have just 10 days to initiate probate, and the entire process takes approximately six months. In other areas, such as Massachusetts, the process can last one to two years, although the majority of probate activities occur in the first nine months. The value of the estate also affects the duration of the case. For example, California and Texas have simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as those valued at $150,000 or less.

• When is a will's probate an automatic process?

  Probate is the legal process of validating a last will and testament to ensure that the decedent's wishes are followed. A probate judge may automatically clear wills if they're accompanied by an affidavit from the decedent, a notary, and a witness. Some assets, including financial accounts with designated beneficiaries, and funds held by certain types of trusts don't have to go through probate.

• What does it mean when property is under probate?

  Real estate that's under probate is typically liquidated through the court system, which is most common when someone dies without a will. Home buyers who are interested in this type of property must follow special rules regarding deposits, which are sometimes nonrefundable, and buyer's premiums. Additionally, the court must approve the purchase price.