Offices at Bethesda, McLean, Vancouver, New York 301-986-2200 301-986-2200

Experienced Maryland  Estates Attorney Guides You Through Probate

The process of probate typically accompanies a painful emotional loss. Our knowledgeable, meticulous probate attorneys ease the stress of probating your loved one’s estate and guide executors and beneficiaries through the complex process.

The process of probate
Most executors have rarely, if ever, probated a will and know little about the process. We can guide you through the complex probate process, including:

  • Filing the will with the appropriate Maryland county probate court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Paying estate taxes
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate

Probate disputes
Even for apparently straightforward estates, disputes between beneficiaries may arise. Our skilled attorneys can calm the emotionally charged process of probating a challenged will or disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interests of our clients to preserve cordial familial relationships, we are adept at mediating disputes. That said, we assertively defend our clients’ beneficiary rights within the Maryland probate court when doing so is necessary.

Bethesda, Maryland  Trust Administration Attorney
Once a trust is established by a grantor, its operation must be overseen by a qualified administrator. This trustee manages the investment of funds and distribution of assets according to the grantor’s design contained in the trust’s documents. Trust administration requires careful attention to each detail of the grantor’s wishes. A conscientious trustee must have comprehensive knowledge of the law and be scrupulous regarding client service. Attorneys at WardChisholm, LLP provide highly ethical and reliable administration to a variety of trusts, maintaining the fiscal strength of these entities to serve beneficiaries through the intended life of the trust. We are available to provide administration services to new clients on a wide variety of trusts, including:

  • Credit shelter trusts (CST)
  • Incentive trusts
  • Living trusts
  • Generation-skipping trusts
  • QTIP trusts
  • Charitable remainder trusts
  • Irrevocable life insurance trusts

Meticulous administrative services
WardChisholm, LLP in Bethesda has extensive experience in all duties expected of a trust administrator, including:

  • Investment of assets
  • Management of assets
  • Preparation of accountings
  • Preparation of tax returns
  • Distributions to beneficiaries

Advice to trustees
A trustee can be personally liable for mistakes or omissions that result in losses for the trust. WardChisholm, LLP offers sound advice to trustees to ensure accurate and complete compliance with all aspects of trust administration. If you have been named a trustee, WardChisholm, LLP strongly recommends that you obtain professional assistance from a trustworthy source.  As an established law firm with a long record of success in trust administration in Maryland, WardChisholm, LLP can help.

Contact a reliable source for probate and trust administration legal services
To schedule an appointment with WardChisholm, LLP, call our Bethesda, Maryland office at 301-986-2200 or contact our firm online.