The Probate Process for a House in Maryland – How to Avoid Getting Scammed

The reality, though, is that done right, the probate process for a house in Maryland can be as simple as four easy steps. The flip side is that both the dread and simplicity often open people up to certain probate scams. Let’s take a look.

The Probate Process for a House in Maryland – How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Probate Process for a House in Maryland

Without the right kind of trust in place, probate usually follows a person’s passing. Probate is the process by which the decedent’s debts are settled and his or her property (held on his or her name alone and not otherwise legally distributed) is transferred to beneficiaries and heirs.

Typically, the probate process follows four steps.

The first step involves filing a petition with the probate court to admit the will and appoint an executor or, if there’s no will, to appoint an administrator of the estate. A hearing date is set, and notice of the hearing is published locally.

After being appointed by the court, the decedent’s personal representative gives notice to all creditors, and an inventory of the estate is made.

After determining which claims are legitimate, the personal representative pays all expenses, debts, and taxes from the estate. Sometimes, this involves selling estate assets to meet obligations.

Assets (legal title to a house, for instance) are disbursed according to the decedent’s wishes expressed in the will or, in case there is no will, according to the state’s intestate succession laws.

And that’s it for the probate process for a house in Maryland and for the entire estate as well. Just be wary about any scams that may pop up along the way.

Common Probate Scams

These are some new twists on old scams that owe their re-birth (and effectiveness) chiefly to the Internet and email. They always, however, target the vulnerable.

If you’re facing probate, especially the probate process for a house in Maryland, it’s probably not as ominous and frightening as it first seems. Knowing what it involves and being aware of the common probate scams are good first steps – but there’s more to consider.

If you’d like to learn more about probate and how to get through it smoothly, contact us by phone at 410-267-4286 or fill our simple form.