Best Probate Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD

What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Maryland? When you pass away without a will in Maryland, you are said to have died “intestate.” Dying intestate means the state of Maryland determines how your assets are distributed based on its intestacy laws. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach, and unfortunately, it might not align with your personal wishes or the unique dynamics of your family. How Maryland Intestacy Laws Distribute Assets In the state of Maryland, if you’re married and also have children, there’s a specific formula that intestacy laws use to distribute your assets. Here’s a closer look: Married with surviving minor children: Your spouse will receive half and half will be distributed to your minor children. Married with surviving adult children who ARE NOT the children of the surviving spouse: Your spouse will get the first $100,000 plus half of the remaining probate property and the other half will be distributed to your children. Married with all surviving adult children are also the child of your surviving spouse: Your spouse will receive 100% of the probate estate. Should you have multiple children, it’s crucial to note that they will equally divide their half of the personal property and any remaining intestate real property. This distribution could pose challenges if one child believes they should inherit a specific asset over a sibling.