Charles County Estate Administration Attorney

Providing Clients with Comprehensive and Caring Estate Administration Services

After a loved one dies, there is still a significant amount of necessary legal work regarding his or her estate. This can be both tedious and complicated, and it is especially difficult to focus on while also trying to grieve the person you have just lost. For these and other reasons, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced attorney who offers comprehensive estate administration services. In Waldorf, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., look no further than Griffin Selby Law PLLC.

Attorney Karen M. Selby is proud to help families during what is often a very difficult time. Whether your loved one died with a thorough estate plan in place or without any formal preparations, we are ready to guide you through the process of settling the estate. We’ll take care of as many details as possible so that you have less to worry about.

It’s normal to feel alone and stressed when going through the probate process for a loved one. However, you can get the help and legal counsel you deserve when you contact our Southern Maryland attorney. We have decades of legal experience and will apply that knowledge to your case, no matter how challenging. Call us now at 301-685-7873 to schedule a free consultation with our caring, capable estate planning lawyer.

What Does Estate Administration Entail?

Estate administration refers to settling the affairs of an estate according to the will and estate plan (if they exist). It may involve probate, which is the legal process of proving the validity of a will.

In a nutshell, a chosen personal representative (sometimes called an executor) is responsible for:

Gathering and accounting for all estate assets
Notifying creditors of the decedent’s death
Paying final estate bills and filing a final tax return
Paying estate taxes, if applicable
Distributing the estate assets according to the will and other documents

The personal representative is often someone that the decedent knew and trusted. But unless this person is already a lawyer, he or she will likely need to work directly with an estate administration attorney like those at our law firm. We guide clients through all aspects of the process, ensuring no details are overlooked and no mistakes are made. If probate is necessary, we can handle most of the proceedings on behalf of the estate so that you don’t have to.

What Are Some Risks That May Arise During Estate Administration?

Unfortunately, estate administration often comes with severe risks that can drain your energy and resources. This process can become complex and highly stressful, especially when the family experiences conflict surrounding the estate execution. The good news is that estate planning lawyers like Attorney Selby can stand by your side, explaining your options and helping you find creative solutions that resolve problems as quickly as possible.

Some issues individuals and families in Maryland commonly face during the probate process include:

Conflicts surrounding the will and other documents – When someone challenges a will, trust, or other estate document, it can cause a great deal of stress and legal difficulties. If you feel that your loved one’s documents are false or if you’re under attack due to doubts about the estate plan, our attorney can help
Contention about how the inheritance is passed on – Often, beneficiaries may feel that the inheritance was unfairly divided or was not distributed in accordance with the deceased person’s wishes. In these cases, the executor should consult with estate planning lawyers about how to proceed
Difficulties paying off creditors – One of the administrator’s duties is to notify creditors of the person’s death and pay off debts from the estate fund. Our legal team can help ensure this process goes smoothly so that you avoid unnecessary legal complications

Our Charles County estate planning law firm is ready to help you navigate the estate administration process, including handling issues that arise. Contact us immediately for legal advice from a knowledgeable legal team that will stand by your side.

How Long Does Estate Administration Take in Maryland?

The estate administration process can vary widely, taking anywhere from a few months to several years. The longer the process takes, the more costly and stressful it can be. Extreme cases may also take a toll on family relationships, leaving you with grudges and anger that last a lifetime.

Some factors that contribute to the length of the administration process include:

The size of the estate – Typically, the larger the estate, the more complex and lengthy the administration process
Disputes – If disputes arise during the probate process or other administration duties, these can lengthen the amount of time necessary to close the estate
Creditor claims – A higher number of creditor claims can also increase the time needed to complete the process
Court’s approval – Much of the timeline depends on how the court interacts with your unique case. If the court is delayed, experiences disputes, or doesn’t approve the administration, it can take longer to close the estate

Going through estate administration in Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas can be complex and frustrating. However, you can give yourself the best chance at a positive outcome and a speedy resolution when you hire estate planning lawyers like Attorney Selby. Your lawyer can help ensure assets are properly inventoried and divided and that creditors and taxes are paid in a timely manner. We’ll also assist with any disputes that arise so you can get results as quickly as possible. Contact us right away to learn more about how we can help.

How Can Estate Planning Lawyers Help with the Estate Administration Process?

Appearing in probate court can be stressful, especially with so much on the line. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes work in administering an estate can leave the executor drained and confused. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself legally and ensure a speedy outcome is to hire an estate planning lawyer with experience in estate administration.

A lawyer can help in many ways, including but not limited to:

Providing personalized advice based on your unique circumstances
Helping you navigate the legal process so you know what to expect at every step
Explaining your options when disputes arise among creditors
Negotiating favorable outcomes if beneficiaries fight the outcome of the estate administration
Inventorying estate assets so each item is properly accounted for and accurately valued
Notifying beneficiaries and creditors about the estate’s execution
Ensuring the decedent’s property is distributed according to their wishes
Offering emotional support at this difficult time
Handling the legal nuances of the process so you can focus on spending time with family members
Preparing an estate plan on your behalf so your family is protected in the future

If you’ve been named executor for a loved one in Southern Maryland, please don’t feel you must confront this process alone. You can get legal counsel based on decades of experience when you call our estate planning law firm. We’ll listen carefully to your concerns and questions and provide answers that are easy to understand. We promise to stand by your side and find creative solutions in negotiations or court if necessary. Call today to speak with our dedicated legal team.

How Can Estate Planning Help My Family in the Future?

Many people who experience estate administration want to provide their families with a smooth process when they die. A well-written and thorough estate plan reduces the need for probate and dramatically simplifies the estate administration process. In short, it saves your loved ones time, money, and frustration. A proper estate plan can also provide peace of mind, asset protection, and tax benefits while you’re alive.

Some examples of estate planning documents that can provide privacy, protection, and peace of mind include:

Wills – A will establishes an executor whom you trust to administer your estate according to your wishes. It can also name a guardian for your minor children and dictate who receives what as an inheritance
Trusts – Trusts work alongside wills, offering greater flexibility in passing on assets to your heirs. When you use a trust, the trust becomes the owner of your assets, which can provide tax and asset protection benefits. Trusts can also simplify the probate process, so your loved ones enjoy greater privacy and protection
Healthcare directive – These documents give legal powers to trusted individuals who can then make critical decisions regarding your health care
Powers of attorney – When you no longer wish to manage your own financial or other affairs, you can assign someone to handle these aspects of your life through a power of attorney

If you’d like more information on how to get started planning your estate, visit our estate planning page.

Should You Hire Our Charles County Estate Administration Attorney?

When you are assigned the arduous task of administering a loved one’s estate, there is too much at risk to go it alone. You need the advice and representation of Attorney Selby and her legal team at Griffin Selby Law PLLC.

We promise to listen carefully and nonjudgmentally to your wishes as we seek to craft the right estate plan or help you through the estate administration process.

Griffin Selby Law PLLC proudly serves clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C. To set up a virtual or in-person consultation at one of the firm’s offices, call 301-685-7873 or click the “Schedule Time With Me” link.