In Maryland, the two most common reasons that a claim is filed in reference to an estate. They are balances owed to a creditor and when family members wish to contest the validity of a will. The results of these cases determine how the estate is distributed and what portion is awarded to the estate owner’s family.
When Creditors File a Claim
All properties and monetary assets owned when a consumer dies make up their estate. If they don’t make provisions in a will to arrange the payment of their creditors, these companies can file a lawsuit against the estate to collect all balances owed to them. When the creditors win their case, the state could initiate the sale of assets to accumulate the funds required to settle the debt. If you need help to fight against creditors, contact Estate Litigation Attorneys in Annapolis MD right now.
Challenging or Contesting a Will
When a family member disputes the manner in which the estate owner distributed their property or assets, they can file a claim to contest the will. Wills that indicate that the a certain member of a family will not receive any inheritance, this often leads to disputes. This is typically the case when an estate owner leaves behind all their assets to their spouse, who isn’t the biological parent of the estate owner’s heirs. The court reviews the document to make distinctions about the document and determine that it wasn’t falsified.
Understanding the Probate Process
After a loved one dies, their will enters probate. During this process, the court conducts a search to determine, if the estate owner owed money for outstanding debts. Any balances that are outstanding are settled with funds associated with the estate. Typically, the life insurance policy or monetary funds are used first. Next, the estate is distributed, according to the provisions listed in the will.
Disagreements among families often lead to litigation. Estate owners have the opportunity to designate which family members receive their property. However, this doesn’t prevent these disagreements. If you need assistance in validating the will of a loved one, contact Estate Litigation Attorneys in Annapolis MD today. You can also visit karpouzianlaw.com or their Facebook page for more information.
