Maryland — Can I access my child’s settlement money before 18 for college or medical expenses?
Can a parent access part of a child’s settlement for college or medical costs before age 18? Short answer: In Maryland, parents cannot simply spend or withdraw a settlement paid to a minor. Most settlements for a minor require court approval or must be held in a custodial or protected account until the child reaches […]
Read article →Maryland: How to Make Sure a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed and Distributed Correctly
Detailed Answer This page explains, in plain language, how to make sure a wrongful-death settlement in Maryland is properly filed with the court and paid out according to the split you agreed to. This is general information only and not legal advice. Who can settle a wrongful-death claim in Maryland? Under Maryland law a wrongful-death […]
Read article →How to Get a Diminished Value Appraisal in Maryland
Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Maryland attorney. Detailed answer: How to get a diminished value appraisal for your vehicle in Maryland Diminished value is the loss in a vehicle’s market value that can occur after it is damaged and repaired. In […]
Read article →Maryland: Risks of Granting a Life Estate Instead of Selling Property
Detailed Answer Short version: Granting the other owner a life estate in Maryland gives that person the legal right to live in and use the property for the rest of their life, while you (or your heirs) keep a future interest (a remainder). That can preserve an ownership interest, but it also creates legal, financial, […]
Read article →Maryland: Finalizing Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Property
Detailed Answer Short summary: An older or “outdated” will is not automatically invalid simply because it is old. In Maryland you generally still must open probate in the county where the decedent lived, have the personal representative (also called the executor or administrator) appointed, obtain letters testamentary/letters of administration, and then either rely on the […]
Read article →Maryland: Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage When the Lender Asks for Renunciation Letters
What to do when a reverse mortgage servicer asks heirs for renunciation letters Disclaimer This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. It explains common Maryland procedures and options so you can make an informed decision about hiring an attorney or contacting the mortgage servicer. For legal advice tailored to your […]
Read article →Maryland: Setting Up an Annuity for Settlement Funds Held for a Child
How parents or guardians in Maryland can protect a child’s settlement funds with an annuity Detailed answer — step-by-step overview under Maryland considerations When a child in Maryland receives a settlement (for example, a personal-injury award, insurance payout, or wrongful-death distribution), a parent or guardian often needs to protect those funds so they are available […]
Read article →How to Claim Medical Payments (MedPay) from Auto Insurance in Maryland
Detailed Answer This article explains, in plain language, how to make a claim under the medical payments portion of an auto insurance policy in Maryland (often called “MedPay”). It covers what MedPay is, who it covers, what paperwork you will need, how to report and pursue a claim, coordination with other insurance, common reasons claims […]
Read article →Challenging Transfers Made Under a Power of Attorney in Maryland
When to Dispute Financial Transfers Made by an Agent Under a Power of Attorney — Maryland FAQ Detailed answer If you believe financial transfers were made on behalf of an older person by their agent under a power of attorney (POA) when that person lacked the required capacity, Maryland law provides several paths to challenge […]
Read article →Negotiating a Fair Settlement in Maryland: How to Respond When an Initial Offer Is Far Below Your Demand
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This information is for education only and is not legal advice. For guidance about your specific case, contact a Maryland attorney. When the other side’s first settlement offer is far below what you requested, a strategic response can often move negotiations toward a fair outcome. Under Maryland practice, parties commonly negotiate informally, […]
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