The ‘Fiscal Cliff’s’ Effect on Estate Taxes

Author: William P. Dale

Negotiations between Senate Republicans and Democrats to resolve the “fiscal cliff” continue, with today being the last day before a combination of spending cuts and tax increases are automatically implemented.

Tax Returns for Calendar Year 2012

Author: Eric J. Wexler

It is that time of year when individuals and businesses start thinking about preparing their tax return.  For calendar year 2012, individual tax returns are due April 15th, 2013, and corporate returns are due March 15th, 2013.

An Overview of the Probate Process

Author: Charles F. Fuller

When a person dies, many questions arise.  An important question is what is to be done with their assets and debts?  Unless those assets are jointly titled or have been previously placed in a trust, the laws of most jurisdictions, including Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia require that the disposition of assets and liabilities be administered through the courts.  The task of gathering information, sorting out assets and liabilities and reporting that information to the court is generally known as “probate.”

The Duties of a Personal Representative

Author: Charles F. Fuller

When a person dies and a petition for probate is filed with the local court, a “personal representative” is appointed by the court to administer the estate. Usually the person appointed as the personal representative is the person designated in the decedent’s last will and testament. The personal representative is charged with identifying the assets of the decedent and valuing those assets on the date of the decedent’s death.