Maryland probate guide

Probate process in Maryland

Maryland probate is opened with the county Register of Wills, with the Orphans' Court resolving contested issues. The small-estate threshold is $50,000 (or $100,000 if the surviving spouse is sole heir or legatee). Probate fees scale by estate value from $50 to a $2,500 maximum. Modified administration is available where all residuary beneficiaries are inheritance-tax-exempt. Maryland does NOT have a real-property TOD deed statute.

Maryland probate at a glance

Court
Register of Wills; Orphans' Court for contested matters
Typical timeline
32–52 weeks
Filing fee
$50–$2500
Small-estate threshold
$50,000
TOD deed allowed?
No
Bond required by default?
Yes (unless waived)
Statute
Md. Code Ann., Est. & Trusts §§ 1-101 et seq.

Source: registers.maryland.gov. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.

How Maryland probate works, step by step

  1. 1File petition for administration with the Register of Wills
  2. 2Register issues letters and orders publication of Notice to Creditors
  3. 3File information report and inventory within three months
  4. 4Pay debts, Maryland inheritance tax, and statutory family allowances
  5. 5File final account or report under modified administration; distribute estate

Probate by county in Maryland

Filing fees, court contacts, and process detail for 5 Maryland counties:

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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed Maryland probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.