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Tag Archives: Probate

Maryland Same Sex Estate Planning in 2013 and Beyond

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

Estate planning in Maryland for same sex couples is dramatically different as a result of two groundbreaking legal developments in 2013. On January 1 same sex marriage became legal in Maryland and on June 26 the Supreme Court struck down portions of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a result, same sex married… Read More »

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Revocable Living Trusts: Are They Worth the Hype?

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

In many states, the use of a Revocable Living Trust has become increasingly popular as a viable estate planning option. But in Maryland, the ease of the probate process, among many other reasons, makes this option usually not worth the hype, money or time. A Revocable Living Trust is a written document that contains… Read More »

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6 Reasons Not to Put Your Child’s Name on the Deed to your House

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

Instead of drafting a Will, many people just put their child’s name on the deed to their house. Their goal is to make things easier for their child by eliminating the need to go through probate. If the house is the only asset, this can be an effective way to avoid probate. (If there… Read More »

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Avoid Naming Your Minor Children as Beneficiaries

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

Beneficiary designations can be an effective tool to avoid probate, if used appropriately. (See Beneficiaries Instead of Probate: Use Caution). Assets can go quickly and directly to loved ones after your death. However, there are certain types of beneficiaries that should be avoided. First and foremost – no minor beneficiaries! I recently represented a… Read More »

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Beneficiaries Instead of Probate: Use Caution

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

The term “probate” refers to the court process whereby a decedent’s assets are gathered together and, after the payment of the decedent’s debts, distributed to the decedent’s heirs. One way to avoid probate is through the use of beneficiary designations. The only assets that pass through probate are assets the decedent owned in his… Read More »

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Beneficiaries Instead Of Probate: Use Caution

By Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP |

The term “probate” refers to the court process whereby a decedent’s assets are gathered together and, after the payment of the decedent’s debts, distributed to the decedent’s heirs. One way to avoid probate is through the use of beneficiary designations. The only assets that pass through probate are assets the decedent owned in his… Read More »

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