Let our experienced probate lawyers help you through the probate process

Losing a loved one is never easy. While we cannot make your pain go away, our probate attorneys can explain and guide you through the probate process. We can also take a lot of the work off your shoulders.

To learn more about our legal services, call Powers & Worshtil, P.C. to speak to a probate lawyer serving College Park, MD.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a person after they die. An estate consists of the deceased’s property, finances, and other assets.

The probate process includes:

• Paying any applicable taxes, such as estate and inheritance tax
• Settling all debts, credits, and other claims against the estate
• Distributing the remainder of the estate to heirs or beneficiaries

Who Is in Charge of the Probate Process?

If the deceased named a personal representative in a will, this person is responsible for handling the probate process. You may also come across the word “executor,” which is the traditional term for a personal representative.

A probate court oversees the process to ensure that all stakeholders receive their due. If there is no will, the court appoints a representative to distribute the estate according to the law.

What Are the Steps in the Probate Process?

The probate process is notoriously complicated. A personal representative must:

• File a petition with the court to open the estate
• Get authorization to act as a personal representative
• Notify all stakeholders
• Create an inventory of the assets
• Open a bank account for the estate
• Get a tax ID number
• Pay any claims against the estate
• File tax returns
• Distribute assets to the beneficiaries
• Submit a final account with the court

Why You Need an Experienced Maryland Probate Lawyer

The steps above only cover the standard probate process. Things get more complex if someone contests the will or the naming of the representative.

In addition, not all assets must go through probate. Representatives often need help identifying which parts of an estate are eligible for probate.

Our local probate lawyer serving College Park, MD, can simplify this convoluted process for you, whether you are an heir, a beneficiary, or a personal representative. Our attorneys can:

• Explain the basic concepts of estate planning and probate
• Identify which assets are eligible for probate
• Prepare any necessary legal documents
• Mediate disputes between beneficiaries
• Ensure that all creditors get their due
• Help you avoid liability due to administrative errors

Talk to a Probate Lawyer Serving College Park, MD

At Powers & Worshtil, P.C., we take our role as Prince George’s County estate planning lawyers seriously. We know that losing a loved one is painful, and we’ll support you throughout the process.

Call us at 301-627-1000 to discuss your legal matter with a probate lawyer serving College Park, MD. Video conferencing consultations are available. If you have questions about our other practice areas, such as personal injury, we are happy to discuss these as well.