Howard County Deeds & Property Transfers Lawyer

Deeds & Property Transfers Attorney in Howard County

While most of us do not like to think about our own mortality, we do want to make sure that our loved ones are taken care of in our absence. That’s why taking care of property transfer issues is an important part of estate planning. If you are in the Ellicott City area and have questions about what happens to your property at the end of your life, you could benefit from consulting a Howard County deeds & property transfers lawyer.

About Liberty Legacy Law Group

Here at Liberty Legacy Law Group, we believe strongly that everyone should exercise their freedom to make decisions about their legacy. We help our clients plan for the future to protect what they have built and provide security and comfort to their families, no matter the circumstances. From our law office in Ellicott City, at the heart of Howard County, we serve the hardworking people who make our community great. We can help you, too.

What Is a Deed?

A deed is a legal document that legitimizes the transfer of property, usually real estate, and in some cases, other titled property. A deed serves as a record of how ownership transferred and proves that the transfer was lawful.

There are many kinds of deeds, but there are three major classifications that are most commonly used:

• Warranty deed. A warranty deed offers the same promises as a grant deed and also provides a “warranty” on the title of the property. The person transferring the property guarantees that there are no problems with the title.
• Quitclaim deed. A quitclaim deed is less complicated than a grant deed or warranty deed, but it also offers fewer protections for the person receiving the property. It simply declares that the person transferring the property no longer has any claim to it. There is usually no exchange of money involved when a quitclaim deed is used.

Quitclaim deeds are the most common variety used for estate planning purposes. Properties are typically transferred to a trust during the property owner’s lifetime, or beneficiaries are added, both allowing the property to avoid probate at the owner’s death.

Transferring Property After Death in Maryland

There are around 336,000 people living in Howard County. Of those, 35.9% belong to households with a yearly income of at least $200,000, making Howard County a comparatively wealthy area. With that significant wealth comes high rates of property ownership, which results in high rates of property transfer when people pass away.

The process of transferring property after death can be complicated, depending on whether the decedent had a trust or a will in place. If the property in question was included in a trust, the transfer is often easier because the trust usually allows the property to avoid going through probate court.

If a property is not included in a trust, it is usually subject to the probate court process through the Register of Wills Office at 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City. If the decedent had a legal will in place, the personal representative can enact their final wishes according to the laws and restrictions inherent in probate. This process can take a significant amount of time. In Maryland, the typical probate timeline can take approximately nine to 18 months.

After probate is complete, the personal representative can transfer the property to whoever is designated to receive it by filing a new deed. The new owner’s name can then be added to the title of the property, and the transfer is complete.

Hire a Deeds and Property Transfers Lawyer

Estate planning can be complicated, as can the process of transferring property after a loved one has died. If you need to make a plan for your property or if you need help taking ownership of a property left to you by a loved one, hire a deeds and property transfers lawyer to help you make sure you’re checking all of the boxes

Your attorney can help you create a new deed, update an existing one, or properly transfer property to avoid complications. If you are considering estate planning, a Howard County estate planning lawyer can also help you determine the way to transfer your property so it benefits your loved ones in the long term.

FAQs

Do Deeds Expire?

No, deeds generally do not expire. They are binding legal documents that demonstrate the legality of a property transfer. Some deeds may contain expiration terms, but this is uncommon and limited to specific circumstances. A Howard County deeds & property transfers attorney can help you determine whether this applies to your situation.

If A House Is Willed to Someone, Do They Always Get It?

No, a house being willed to someone does not always guarantee that they will actually receive it. Part of the probate process is making sure that the decedent’s debts are paid to the extent that is possible using their assets. If someone owned a house outright but had other unpaid debts, the house might be sold in order to settle those outstanding debts.

How Can I Avoid a Property Transfer Dispute with Estate Planning?

The way to avoid a property transfer dispute is to have a clear, legally sound plan for your estate at the end of your life. Including your properties in a trust is a clean way to make sure they transfer smoothly, as property in a trust is usually kept out of the probate process. Your attorney can help you make a plan that ensures your property goes where you want it to go after your death.

Contact Liberty Legacy Law Group

If you need legal counsel concerning a deed or property transfer issue, the Howard County deeds & property transfers lawyers of Liberty Legacy Law Group are here to help. Our clients come to us during some of the most difficult times in their lives, and we walk with them through legal complexities, bureaucratic red tape, and the nuances of property transfer laws. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your needs.