If you die without a Last Will and Testament, you are giving up the power to control who will receive the assets, held in your sole name, that you have accumulated during your life. The Maryland laws of intestacy will determine both who will receive these assets and who will settle your affairs after your death.

At Sessa & Dorsey, we have seen firsthand the negative repercussions that can occur from not having a Will.  For example, people often assume that their spouse would receive everything that they own if they die.  Unfortunately, the Maryland laws of intestacy do not provide that all of a person’s assets pass to their spouse.  The spouse is often required to share the estate with children and in some cases the parents of the deceased spouse.  Based on the laws of intestacy we have seen small children receive interests in family businesses and commercial investment projects.  We have fought to try to save the family home from partially passing to adult children of previous relationships.  The laws of intestacy are specific and rigid, and frankly, often do not carry out a person’s true wishes.

The Maryland laws of intestacy differ depending on the family situation of the person who dies.

Here is what happens if you die without a Will in Maryland:
 

Let us get this out of the way—we know that prepaid funerals are not the most lively of topics! However, prepaid funerals are becoming a more popular topic of discussion during the estate planning process. We want to share with you the details regarding prepaid funerals and why you may want to consider one.

What Are Prepaid Funerals?
As the name suggests, prepaid funerals mean making funeral arrangements for yourself or your loved one and paying for those arrangements while you are alive. Prepaid funerals can plan for as much or as little as you would like, from choosing a funeral home to planning the service, choosing a casket, and selecting burial arrangements. Depending on the funeral home, you may also be able to lock in today’s prices.

Why Would I Consider A Prepaid Funeral?
One of the most difficult parts of the bereavement process can be making funeral arrangements immediately after losing a loved one. This process can be especially difficult if you lose a loved one unexpectedly. Families and friends are often left making plans and decisions in a fog, going through the motions while mourning, often not knowing the wishes of the deceased person.

In some cases, loved ones are also left footing the bill. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral in 2019 was $7,640. This amount does not include other expenses typically associated with funerals, like purchasing a burial plot or niche.

Prepaid funerals can be thought of as a gift to your loved ones. You can plan and prepay your entire funeral, down to the smallest of details. Thus, your loved ones can spend more time healing and less time planning.