A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that a person, known as a Testator, will create to specify how their personal and real property will be distributed after their death. Once the form is created, it must be signed, witnessed, and notarized to become a legally enforceable document. Once the proper steps have been taken, the Will should be sent to all of the named beneficiaries as well as the Grantor’s attorney. In Maryland, a Will must be registered with the state.
Laws - Title 4: Wills
Witnesses - According to §4-102, the Will must be signed by two (2) witnesses in the presence of the Testator.
Proof of Execution Form (Form RW1102) - Must be submitted with every Will.
The Will must be registered, and a $5 fee must be paid.
Step 1 - Establishing the Testator - Provide the following information about the Testator
Step 2 - Naming a Spouse - Provide the following information on your marital status, as well as if your spouse will be named as a beneficiary.
Step 3 - Identifying Children, Pets, and Life Insurance - Provide the following information
Step 4 - Breakdown of Inheritance - Provide the following of what will be left to each child
Step 5 - Establishing Trust for Persons who need Special Care - Establishing a Trust for those who may have a mental illness or physical disability and requires special care, can prevent any issues with them receiving other benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.
Step 6 - Stipulations on Inheritance - Provide the following:
.
Step 7 - Funeral Home Arrangements - Describe arrangements for your funeral home:
Step 8 - Last Meal Specifications:
Step 9 - Naming an Executor - Provide the following information of your Executor:
Alternate Executor
Forbidden Executor
Step 10 - Name a Trustee - If your assets are set up in a trust, appoint someone to act as your Trustee, one who will be responsible for distributing your assets out of the trust.
Alternate Trustee
Forbidden Trustee
Step 11 - Name your Digital Executioner - Name the person responsible for distributing your digital assets.
Step 12 - Guardian for Minor Children - If you have minor children, provide the name of the person you wish to act as a guardian over them.
Alternate Guardian
Conservator
Step 13 - Naming Additional Beneficiaries - If there are more individuals besides your children that you wish to name, provide that information here.
Step 14 - Disinheriting Individuals - If there is someone you wish to disinherit, provide that information here:
Step 15 - Witness Information- Provide information for each of your witnesses:
Remember that in the state of Maryland, your Will must be signed by your two witnesses. In addition, your Will must be submitted to the state, along with your Proof of Execution Form (Form RW1102).