Probate Help for North Beach Families Inheriting Coastal Property
Haskell & Dyer
When a loved one passes and leaves you a waterfront home in North Beach, the emotions run deep.
You’re grieving, but you also have a big responsibility on your hands, figuring out what to do with the property.
Maybe it’s been in the family for decades.
Maybe you’re unsure who’s responsible for paying the bills, maintaining it, or whether it can be sold.
That’s where the probate process comes in, and it can get complicated fast.
Let me help you make sense of it.
What Is Probate and Why Does It Matter?
In Maryland, when someone dies with property in their name, it usually must go through probate.
That’s the legal process where the court makes sure the person’s will is valid (if there is one), debts and taxes are paid, and remaining property is transferred to the rightful heirs.
Probate is public. It takes time.
It requires paperwork, deadlines, and court oversight.
If you’ve inherited property in North Beach, especially a valuable home by the coast, probate is almost certainly required unless it was held in a trust or passed by joint ownership.
What Happens to the House?
If the property was only in the deceased person’s name, it becomes part of the estate.
The personal representative (sometimes called the executor) is responsible for managing the home during probate.
That means:
- Paying the mortgage and property taxes
- Handling insurance
- Making sure the home doesn’t fall into disrepair
- Dealing with utilities, maintenance, and any rental agreements
This can be a lot to manage, especially if you don’t live nearby or if there are multiple heirs with different ideas about what to do with the house.
What If There Are Multiple Heirs?
I see this all the time in North Beach: a parent passes away and leaves the house to several adult children.
One wants to keep it.
One wants to sell.
One doesn’t want to deal with it at all. This is where probate can get tense.
Unless the will spells out what happens or the heirs are all on the same page, disagreements can drag out the process.
The court may have to get involved.
If no one can agree, the house might be ordered to be sold, with proceeds split among heirs.
That’s why good communication and legal guidance matter.
I often help families navigate these disputes by working out practical solutions and filing the proper paperwork with the court.
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
Here are a few things I always tell my clients:
- Don’t ignore property upkeep. If the house sits vacant, it can quickly fall into disrepair. That lowers the value and creates more stress later.
- Keep records. If one heir is handling expenses, keep a clear paper trail. This helps avoid fights down the road.
- Consider buyouts. If one person wants to keep the home, we can structure a buyout through the estate.
- Watch the timelines. Maryland probate has strict deadlines for filing forms, paying taxes, and distributing property.
You’re Not Alone—I’m Here to Help
You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
I’ve guided North Beach families through these exact situations, whether it’s settling an estate, resolving heir disputes, or planning to avoid probate next time.
If you’ve inherited a coastal property and feel overwhelmed, I’m just a phone call away.
Let’s work together to protect what your family built and make the process as smooth as possible.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.
Estate Attorney | Haskell & Dyer, Upper Marlboro, MD
