When facing serious illness or injury in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the ability to make clear medical decisions is invaluable. However, unexpected events can leave someone unable to communicate their wishes regarding medical care. In these situations, having legal documents in place can make a difference. That’s where Sanders & Sanders, Attorneys at Law comes in.

When a loved one passes away, their family is often left to manage not only emotional loss but also the legal and financial matters that follow. In Upper Marlboro, Maryland, one of the first steps in handling a person’s affairs after death typically involves probate. Sanders & Sanders, Attorneys at Law, is here to help you through this process.

Whether you’re just starting to think about your estate plan or you’ve been putting it off for years, understanding the difference between wills and trusts is a great place to begin. Read on for more information about the differences between wills and trusts, and about how an estate planning attorney can help you decide which is right for you.

When a person dies without a valid will, their estate doesn’t get distributed based on what they may have verbally told others or assumed would happen. Instead, state law takes control. That process—called intestate succession—can lead to results the deceased never intended.

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important decisions you can make is how you want to pass on your assets. For many people, setting up a trust is a critical step in the process.

Determination of heirship is a legal process that verifies who is entitled to inherit a deceased person's assets when no will is present or when additional clarity is needed. In many cases, the process becomes necessary to settle disputes or to confirm the rightful heirs of an estate.

When someone passes away, one of the first tasks is often to determine whether the will is valid. While many people assume that their wishes will be followed after their death, sometimes family members or other interested parties dispute the validity of a will.

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered, including validating their will, paying off debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. It involves proving the will's authenticity in court, appointing an executor to manage the estate, and making sure all financial obligations and taxes are settled before the remaining assets are passed on.

Estate planning is a powerful tool for safeguarding assets and making sure that they’re distributed according to the wishes of the individual creating the trust. However, disputes may arise when heirs feel the terms of the trust are unfair or have been improperly executed.

When a loved one passes away without a will, settling their estate can feel overwhelming. The process—known as probate—involves distributing assets, settling debts, and resolving any outstanding matters. Without a will, Maryland’s intestacy laws govern who inherits the estate and in what proportions.