Preparing to Meet with a Probate Attorney

Meeting with a Maryland probate attorney can be very important if someone you love has passed away. The individual the decedent has named as executor of an estate should meet with a probate attorney as soon as possible in order to get advice about fulfilling his or her duties. If you are an heir or beneficiary, you may also consider meeting with an experienced attorney to understand your options and how to protect your inheritance. 

A well-qualified attorney can guide you through the entirety of the probate process, regardless of what your role is within such complicated legal matters. The last thing you want to do after a death is to deal with complex court proceedings. Therefore, the goal is efficiency and to provide a clear understanding of estate administration. Selecting an attorney who is knowledgeable on the in-and-outs of estate tax rules and court procedures is essential. Also, it will assist in a smoother transfer of assets after death and explanation of the technical legal issues that arise during the probate process.

Some of the different steps that you may wish to take when preparing to meet with an attorney include:

• Obtaining a copy of the Last Will and Testament, and any related documents created by the decedent.
• Obtaining a copy of trust documents, if created by the decedent.
• Obtaining a certified death certificate.
• Writing down a list of questions that you wish to ask so you are organized regarding your immediate inquiries.
• Preparing a preliminary list of estate assets and expenses.

Administering an estate can be an arduous and emotional process. Sinclair Prosser Gasior navigates its clients through the probate courts by assisting executors, heirs or beneficiaries during various steps, and believes in the importance of the initial preparation of estate matters in order to lay a solid foundation. Contact us today if you have any questions. 

• Author
• Recent Posts

Alexander M. Pagnotta, Estate Planning Attorney

Estate Planning Attorney at Sinclair Prosser Gasior

Alex Pagnotta’s personal experience with the problems that can result from an inadequate estate plan along with his interest in helping others drove his desire to pursue the areas of estate planning and estate administration. He counsels individuals and families to preserve wealth and ensure that their hard earned assets are passing to the correct individuals when they want and how they want.

Latest posts by Alexander M. Pagnotta, Estate Planning Attorney (see all)

• Michael Jordan’s Revenge Tax Part 2 - November 3, 2023
• Michael Jordan’s Revenge Tax - September 6, 2023
• HBO’s Succession Reveals Estate Planning Dilemma - July 18, 2023