
Probate & Estate Administration
Losing a loved one is never easy. In addition to grief, families often face the practical challenge of managing the person’s affairs like paying bills, settling debts, and transferring assets.
At Holt Legacy Law, we help families throughout Maryland navigate the probate and estate administration process with compassion, efficiency, and clarity.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. In Maryland, it ensures that:
The person’s will (if one exists) is validated.
Debts, taxes, and final expenses are paid.
Remaining assets are distributed to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.
If your loved one died without a will, Maryland’s intestacy laws determine who inherits their property.
Even simple estates can become complicated without guidance. Our experienced probate attorney can help you understand your responsibilities and avoid costly mistakes.
When Probate Is Required
Not every estate needs to go through full probate. The type of proceeding depends on the size and complexity of the estate:
Small Estate – If the estate’s value is under $50,000 (or $100,000 if the surviving spouse is the sole heir), Maryland allows a simplified process.
Regular Estate – For larger or more complex estates, a longer process is required with more detailed filings and court oversight.
At Holt Legacy Law, we handle both types of cases, guiding you through each step and ensuring compliance with all legal deadlines.
What the Personal Representative (Executor) Does
The person named in the will, or appointed by the court, to manage the estate is called the Personal Representative (also known as an Executor). Their responsibilities include:
Locating and valuing all assets
Filing required documents with the Register of Wills
Notifying heirs and creditors
Paying debts, taxes, and final expenses
Distributing remaining property to beneficiaries
We work closely with Personal Representatives to help them fulfill these duties correctly and efficiently, reducing the burden during a difficult time.
Avoiding Probate with Proper Planning
While we’re here to help families through probate, we also help many clients avoid it altogether through proactive estate planning.
A Revocable Living Trust, for example, allows your assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement.
Learn more about how a trust can simplify the process on our Revocable Trusts page ».
What If There’s No Will?
If your loved one passed away without a will, Maryland law determines who inherits the estate.
We’ll help you understand how intestacy rules apply to your situation and ensure the estate is handled correctly even when things are complicated by family dynamics or unclear asset ownership.
Common Probate Challenges
Families often come to us with the same frustrations:
Confusion over what assets are part of the estate
Difficulty accessing bank accounts or selling property
Disputes among family members or beneficiaries
Delays in court processing or filings
At Holt Legacy Law, we’ve seen it all and we know how to resolve issues calmly, legally, and efficiently so you can focus on what matters most.
Estate Administration Beyond Probate
Even when probate isn’t required, estate administration is still necessary.
We assist with:
Collecting life insurance and retirement benefits
Retitling jointly owned property
Distributing assets held in trusts
Preparing final tax returns
Closing out financial accounts
Whether formal probate is required or not, we make sure your loved one’s estate is settled properly from start to finish.
How Holt Legacy Law Can Help
Every estate is different, and our approach is always personal.
At Holt Legacy Law, we:
Explain the probate process in clear, simple terms
Handle court filings and communication with the Register of Wills
Help you gather and value assets
Prepare inventories, accountings, and distributions
Resolve creditor claims and disputes
Coordinate with financial institutions, accountants, and realtors
We’re here to guide you every step of the way — with professionalism, compassion, and respect.
Ready to book a free consultation?
Prefer to speak with someone directly? Call us at (410) 864-6395. We’re happy to help.