The process of probate involves the legal recognition of your will as the controlling authority in distributing your assets at death.  Probate generally takes from six months to a year to complete; and during that time, the period of estate administration, your assets are inventoried, any remaining bills are paid and distribution is made.

I have been an estate administration and probate lawyer for more than 30 years, and I have seen many estates that I personally handled go through probate. I am a solo practitioner and devote myself to each client. Clients come from throughout Anne Arundel County, Maryland, including Annapolis, Severna Park, and Edgewater.

Myths about Probate

Probate is often misunderstood; and there are many unfounded rumors about how it works.

To begin with, probate is often viewed as something totally negative. While it does involve time and expense, it also has the very important advantage of oversight. The probate court monitors the estate’s activities; and everything must be accounted for from beginning to end to insure that your wishes have been carried out.

Many people think that if you have a Will, there is no need for probate. Quite the opposite. if you want your will to take effect, it must go through the probate process. Most often they are confusing “probate” with “intestacy”.

And attorneys’ fees and commissions do not take a huge portion of the estate. They are, in fact, controlled by statute; and the ultimate amounts are determined by the probate court. In Maryland, the usual fees total 3.5% to 4% of the estate.

Contact Me

If you would like to speak to an experienced lawyer about probate and estate administration, please call me at (410) 573-2992. You can also email me through my contact any time. I look forward to hearing from you.

John D. Newell, Attorney at Law

621 Ridgely Avenue
Suite 400
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Phone (410) 573-2992
Fax (410) 573-5358
E-mail

From law offices in Annapolis, Maryland, John D. Newell, J.D. P.A. assists people throughout Anne Arundel County, including Annapolis, Severna Park, Edgewater, and more.