Resolving Property Disputes Between Beneficiaries in Maryland

 Posted on March 24, 2025 in Estate Planning

Inheriting property can be amazing and challenging at the same time, especially when you are only one of multiple beneficiaries of the same asset. Disputes over inherited property are common in Maryland, especially when family members have different ideas about what to do with the property that was left to them in a loved one’s estate plan. There is great potential for conflict, but a qualified Potomac, MD estate planning lawyer can explain possible solutions that can help you and your fellow beneficiaries resolve your disputes effectively.

What Are Common Causes of Property Disputes?

Beneficiaries can end up in disputes for various reasons, including:

• Differing Financial Interests: Each beneficiary could have different needs that dictate different wishes for the inherited asset. For example, one beneficiary might want to sell the property for immediate financial gain, while another prefers keeping it as a long-term investment.

• Emotional Attachment: Heirs may have sentimental ties to the family home. When finances are not the only influential consideration in a possible transaction, emotions can make it difficult to agree on selling or renting a property.

• Uneven Contributions: If one beneficiary covers more of the maintenance costs or property taxes, it can lead to resentment or financial imbalance.

How Can We Resolve Our Property Disputes?

When disputes arise, there are several potential ways to reach a resolution:

Buyout Agreements

If one or more beneficiaries prefer to keep the property, they may negotiate a buyout. This allows them to purchase the shares of the other beneficiaries, who are not forced to hold onto a property they do not want. Determining a property’s fair market value to work out this arrangement often requires a professional appraisal.

Mediation

Mediation supports beneficiaries as they work together, with a neutral third party, to come up with a compromise all parties can agree with. This method encourages open communication and can help families avoid the stress and cost of court proceedings.

Partition Actions

If beneficiaries cannot reach an agreement, a partition action might be their best option. In Maryland, a partition action is a legal process that allows the court to either physically divide the property or order its sale, with proceeds distributed among the co-owners. Partition actions can be time-consuming and costly, so many families consider them a last resort.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Silver Spring, MD Beneficiary Dispute Resolution Attorney

While leaving property behind as an inheritance for multiple beneficiaries can be a potential source for dispute, a proactive and thorough plan can prevent such disputes from arising in the first place. At The Eleff Law Group, our Bethesda, MD estate planning lawyer has experience guiding people as they consider the future of their estate and assisting beneficiaries as they inherit assets to ensure that all parties benefit from having their best outcome. Call 301-857-1990 to schedule a free consultation today.