Greenbelt Probate & Estate Administration Lawyer

Simplifying Probate and Estate Administration with Trusted Legal Support

The death of a loved one can lead to a variety of issues, and grieving family members may struggle to address the various legal and financial concerns related to a deceased person's estate. The estate administration process can be complex and overwhelming, and executors or personal representatives may struggle to meet all of their legal requirements. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we provide experienced legal assistance in these situations, guiding our clients through every step of the probate process. We work to help reduce the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies probate. Whether you are dealing with a straightforward estate or need to address complex financial issues or legal disputes, our attorney is here to assist you.

Understanding the Probate Process in Maryland

After a person's death, their assets will need to be distributed among their heirs, and their debts will need to be settled. This is done through the probate process. Whether or not the person left behind a will, the estate must typically go through probate to ensure that all legal and financial matters are properly addressed. The probate process is overseen by the local Orphans' Court, and it involves several key steps that must be completed by the executor (if there is a will) or the personal representative appointed by the court (if there is no will).

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we help clients complete their requirements during the probate process, including:

• Filing the Will and Petition for Probate: If the deceased person had a valid will, the executor must file the will with the Orphans' Court and submit a petition to open probate. If there is no will, a family member or interested party can petition the court to be appointed as the personal representative to handle the estate.
• Inventorying and Appraising Assets: One of the first tasks in probate is creating an inventory of the deceased person's assets, including real estate property, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and other items of value. Some assets may need to be professionally appraised to determine their value.
• Paying Debts and Expenses: Before assets can be distributed to beneficiaries, the estate must first pay any outstanding debts, including medical bills, credit card balances, and funeral expenses. The personal representative is also responsible for ensuring that the estate's taxes are paid, including filing a final income tax return and paying any required estate or inheritance taxes.
• Distributing Assets: Once all debts and taxes have been paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries as directed by the will. If the deceased person did not leave a will, Maryland's intestacy laws dictate how the assets should be distributed.

Resolving Probate Issues When There Is No Will

When a person dies without a will, their estate is considered intestate, and Maryland's intestacy laws will determine how the estate's assets will be distributed. This process can be more complex, as the court must appoint a personal representative to manage the estate, and the distribution of assets may not align with the deceased person's wishes.

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we help personal representatives appointed in intestate cases understand their responsibilities and ensure that an estate is administered properly. We also work with family members and heirs to resolve any disputes that may arise over the distribution of assets, helping to minimize delays and conflicts.

Addressing Outstanding Medical Bills and Other Debts

One of the most important tasks during probate is settling the estate's debts. Creditors, including medical providers, credit card companies, and other debt holders, may file claims against the estate. The personal representative is responsible for reviewing these claims and ensuring that valid debts are paid out of the estate's assets. If there are insufficient assets to cover all debts, the estate may be considered insolvent, and debts must be prioritized according to Maryland law.

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we help personal representatives and executors navigate the process of identifying and paying debts, negotiating with creditors when necessary, and ensuring that the estate's liabilities are properly resolved before assets are distributed.

Handling Probate When the Deceased Was in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

If a person dies while in the middle of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, their estate may face additional complications during probate. The bankruptcy case must be addressed as part of the probate process, and the court may need to determine whether to continue, modify, or dismiss the bankruptcy repayment plan. Additionally, creditors involved in the bankruptcy may seek to file claims against the estate.

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we have experience handling cases where the deceased was involved in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy or other types of bankruptcy proceedings. We can help personal representatives navigate the complex intersection of bankruptcy and probate law. Our goal is to ensure that an estate will be administered fairly and that issues involving creditors and beneficiaries are handled correctly in accordance with the law.

Contact Our Greenbelt, Maryland Probate Attorney

If you are facing the task of administering a loved one's estate, The Law Office of Donald L. Bell is here to help you navigate the probate process with confidence. Contact us today at 301-614-0535 to schedule a consultation and receive legal help with issues related to estate administration.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.