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.

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.

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.

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.

At Sanders & Sanders, Attorneys at Law in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, we understand that estate planning is a crucial step in securing your legacy and making sure that your wishes are carried out after your passing.

When managing the probate process, one of the most important tasks is determining heirship. At Sanders & Sanders, Attorneys at Law in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, we understand that establishing the rightful heirs is essential for the proper distribution of a decedent's estate.