Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Re: death of parent

I am so sorry for your very recent loss. The most important thing at this very moment is taking care of yourself and your family, and saying goodbye to your father.

As soon as you are able, you will want to collect any bills, bank and financial statements, and any other important paperwork that you can find, together with a copy of his will, if he had one.

If there are any bills that absolutely must be paid immediately, like funeral or other last expenses, you should pay those if you are able. You should keep all receipts so that you can properly seek reimbursement from the estate.

You should bring all paperwork to an attorney, who can help you prepare a petition to appoint you either administratrix (if no will) or executrix (if will) of your father's estate. This process will take approximately 30 to 90 days. What needs to be done and the length of time required will largely depend on the size of your father's estate.

Please feel free to give my office a call if you would like to speak with an attorney, or if you would like to retain an attorney here in Massachusetts to file the appropriate paperwork in the administration of your father's estate.

Re: death of parent

Assuming your father died in MD, you need to retain a MD attorney. He or She will file a Petition with the local Probate Court and get you appointed Administrator of his estate so you can take care of his affairs.

If you do not know an attorney in MD, you can seek a referral from local bar associations or seek a referral from a MA attorney.

If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me.

Re: death of parent

A POA is useless. If there is no will, and there are assets, you need to get an attorney to assist you.

My condolences for this troubled period in your life. Be careful, there are a host of providers who may try to provide you with expensive or unnecessary services during this time of grief.