Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Maryland
My aunt died and left house without a will and it has been in probate for about 3 years. how can I get the lawyer to move on this?
1 Answer from Attorneys
I suggest you first contact the personal representative and/or attorney and figure out what may be holding up the process. The law requires that the personal representative make reasonable efforts to wrap up an estate in a timely fashion. You may also want to look at the accountings that have been filed in this estate. Has the property been marketed for the full three years without any offers? Is the sale price or condition unrealistic? Are there other assets like businesses involved? Is the estate tied up in litigation?
If you can't determine any legitimate reason for the delay the personal representative might consider finding new counsel. (Note that the initial attorney will still have the right to receive payment for their work on the estate). The law requires periodic accountings so that interested persons should be kept informed.