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S. F. Marsalek, Esq
Bereavement Guide
Maryland Estate
Maryland Law
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Wills, Probate & Legal Services
The main tasks of a Personal Representative are to:
- Obtain the Will;
- Obtain certified copies of the death certificate;
- Find the beneficiaries named in the Will and all other people who must be notified about the Will (such as children of the decedent
who aren't named in the Will);
- Determine if there are any probate assets;
- File a petition with the probate court if probate is required under the laws of the state;
- Identify, gather, and inventory the assets of the deceased;
- Receive payments due the estate, including interest, dividends, and other income (e.g., unpaid salary, vacation pay, and other company benefits);
- Set up a checking account for the estate;
- Figure out who is going to get what and how much under the Will;
- Value or appraise the estate's assets;
- Give legal notice to potential creditors;
- Investigate the validity of all claims against the estate;
- Pay funeral bills, outstanding debts, and valid claims;
- Pay the expenses of administrating the estate;
- Handle various paperwork, such as discontinuing utilities and charge cards, and notifying Social Security, Civil Service,
and Veterans Administration of the death;
- File and pay income and estate taxes;
- Distribute the remaining property in accordance with the instructions provided in the deceased's Will;
- Close probate.
Of course, as Personal Representative of the Estate, you do not have to do all of these things yourself. It is a good idea to engage the
services of a professional who knows exactly what the legal requirements are, and how best to fulfill them.
Our associated attorneys at EstateLink, LLC, will be more than happy to review your needs with you and help you determine
what professional services you require to handle your obligations as Personal Representative.
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