HEIR – An Heir is someone who MAY inherit from a Probate Estate.  Under Maryland’s Rules of Intestacy, which are complex, anyone who MIGHT inherit under the Rules of Intestacy is considered an Heir.  This does NOT mean they will actually inherit anything from an Estate.  Heirs receive, by law, a Notice that an Estate has been opened for a Decedent.  The Notice clearly states that this does not mean they will actually inherit.  The Rules in this area are complex.  It is advisable to speak with an Estates & Trusts attorney if you may be an Heir to an Estate or if you are a Personal Representative who is unsure who the actual Beneficiaries of the Estate are.

HEIR AT LAW - An Heir at Law is someone who MAY inherit from a Probate Estate.  Under Maryland’s Rules of Intestacy, which are complex, anyone who MIGHT inherit under the Rules of Intestacy is considered an Heir at Law.  This does NOT mean they will actually inherit anything from an Estate.  Heirs receive, by law, a Notice that an Estate has been opened for a Decedent.  The Notice clearly states that this does not mean they will actually inherit.  The Rules in this area are complex.  It is advisable to speak with an Estates & Trusts attorney if you may be an Heir to an Estate or if you are a Personal Representative who is unsure who the actual Beneficiaries of the Estate are.