Probate 

Navigating Probate with Compassion and Expertise: Protect Your Loved One’s Legacy

If You’re Here, You’re Likely Facing the Probate Process—Let’s Make It Easier Together

First, let us say how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating the probate process. If you’re here, you’re likely seeking clarity, support, and solutions to ensure your loved one’s estate is handled with care.

At P.A. Lundy & Associates, we understand that probate can feel overwhelming—emotionally, financially, and legally. That’s why we’re committed to walking with you every step of the way, providing the guidance and expertise you need to complete this process as quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible.

What Is Probate, and Why Is It Necessary?

Probate is a court-supervised process to:

• Validate the will.
• Appoint an executor (or administrator if there’s no will).
• Inventory and appraise estate assets.
• Pay outstanding debts and taxes.
• Distribute assets to heirs or beneficiaries.

Without probate, assets would remain in legal limbo, with no one authorized to manage them. While probate serves an important purpose, it’s also:

• Public and invasive: Details of the estate become part of the public record.
• Time-consuming: It often takes 6–12 months or longer to close an estate.
• Expensive: Probate fees can quickly drain estate assets.

Understanding Maryland Probate: Two Types of Estates

• Small Estate: Less than or equal to $50,000 (or $100,000 if the sole heir is a surviving spouse).
• Regular Estate: Greater than $50,000 (or $100,000 if the sole heir is a surviving spouse).

The type of estate determines the complexity of the probate process.

What Happens If There’s No Will?

If no will exists, Maryland intestate laws dictate how the estate is distributed:

1. Spouse.
2. Children.
3. Parents (if no children).
4. Siblings (if no children or parents).

Without a plan, a judge—someone who doesn’t know your loved one or their values—makes these critical decisions.

What If There’s a Trust?

If your loved one’s assets are owned in the name of a trust, probate is usually not required. However, outdated or improperly managed trusts can still lead to complications. That’s why choosing the right estate planning attorney and conducting regular reviews of your plan are crucial to ensuring everything works as intended when it’s needed most.

How We Can Help You

We’re not just here to guide you through probate; we’re here to help you protect your loved one’s legacy and ease the burden on your family. At P.A. Lundy & Associates, we:

• Offer compassionate, personalized guidance tailored to your family’s unique situation.
• Ensure the probate process is handled efficiently, saving you time and money.
• Provide expert advice on trust management and asset protection.
• Help you avoid future probate complications by creating or updating your estate plan.

Take the First Step Today

The probate process can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Let us help you navigate this journey with clarity, confidence, and care.

Click below  to schedule a consultation and start protecting your loved one’s legacy.

At P.A. Lundy & Associates, we’re more than just lawyers—we’re your partners in ensuring your family’s peace of mind. Let’s get through this together.