How to Avoid Delaying Probate

The duration of a Maryland estate administration depends on many factors such as court deadlines, filing tax returns, and responsiveness of beneficiaries. How the executor manages these issues will have a huge impact on how long it takes to go through the entire probate process.

Top 3 Ways to Avoid Delays in Maryland Probate:

1. Prevent Executor Errors. Hire an experienced estate administration attorney and make sure all documents are free from errors.
2. Know and Adhere to Deadlines. If there are extenuating circumstances causing you to miss a deadline, be sure to follow proper procedures for requesting an extension of time.
3. Prevent Tax Valuation Issues. For unusual assets retain qualified appraisers. For items valued at more than $50,000, follow the IRS Specialized Appraisal Item Format.

While there may be delays beyond the control of the Executor, many of the delays may be avoided by hiring knowledgeable, competent and organized legal counsel. The most common delays involve beneficiary disagreements, tax filing issues or a disorganized personal representative. To prevent these types of issues and move your probate along smoothly, please contact Stouffer Legal at 443-470-3599 in the Greater Baltimore area.