One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Should I add my child to my deed so they inherit the house when I die?” At first glance, it seems like a simple solution. By adding a child to the deed, many homeowners hope to: Avoid probate Simplify estate administration Read more
Creating a revocable living trust is only part of the process. For the trust to actually control your real estate, the property must first be properly transferred into the trust. This step is commonly referred to as funding the trust, and it is one of the most overlooked parts of Read more
Owning real estate in more than one state is common. What many property owners don’t realize is that this can create unexpected legal and financial complications after death—especially when no planning has been done in advance. One of the most common questions that comes up is: Do I need a Read more
When someone passes away owning property in more than one state, their estate may not be handled in just one place. In many cases, a second probate proceeding—known as an ancillary estate—is required. For families, this often comes as a surprise, especially when they believe everything has already been handled Read more
Searching for an online deed using “DC quitclaim deed form” or “Maryland deed template” makes transferring property look deceptively simple. A few blanks, a notary stamp, and you’re done—right? In reality, online deed forms are one of the most common sources of title problems I see in DC and Maryland. Read more
Most people assume a deed only changes hands when there’s a sale. In reality, a large share of Maryland deed transfers involve no money at all — what real-estate law refers to as no-consideration transfers. Even though no money changes hands, these transfers must be done correctly to avoid recordation/transfer Read more