Many Maryland residents may make avoiding certain legal proceedings the goal of their estate plans. However, probate does not necessarily have to be looked upon as a negative process. In fact, some individuals may be able to go through a simpler planning process if they do not have the desire to avoid such proceedings.
Whether or not an individual created a will, his or her estate will likely go to probate court. However, it may prove more beneficial and easier for individuals to go ahead with creating a will as it gives them the opportunity to name their own executors. Rather than having the court appoint a person to be in charge of the estate administration, the named executor handles the necessary duties to settle an estate.
Though a will can help ease the probate process, the possibility exists that litigation could complicate proceedings. There are a variety of reasons an individual could choose to contest a will. Though feeling slighted out of an inheritance may be among those reasons, there are more serious issues that could present themselves, such as an individual having falsified a will or enforced undue influence over the creator of the will.
For some, the idea of any legal proceeding is intimidating, and probate may be among them. However, parties who are facing concerns over estate administration do not have to feel as if they are blundering through the situation alone. Maryland residents may wish to seek assistance from experienced probate attorneys who could offer guidance and information pertaining to relevant concerns.
Source: usnews.com, “Will Your Heirs End Up in Probate Court?”, Maryalene LaPonsie, Jan. 27, 2017
