MD risk area
Probate risk in Maryland
Court-supervised estate process, timing, cost exposure, and public record requirements.
Maryland uses a small-estate process with higher thresholds when the spouse is the sole heir or legatee.
How long does probate typically take here?What costs and fees should families expect?What becomes public during probate?
At a glance
Key takeaways
- An estate qualifies as a small estate when Maryland probate assets are $50,000 or less.
- If the surviving spouse is the sole heir or legatee, the small-estate threshold is $100,000 or less.
- Small estates are generally administered through the Register of Wills with fewer requirements.
- Small estates are opened through the Register of Wills using a petition and inventory filings.
Questions to consider
Questions this risk area helps you evaluate in Maryland
- How long does probate typically take here?
- What costs and fees should families expect?
- What becomes public during probate?
State overview
Maryland uses a small-estate process with higher thresholds when the spouse is the sole heir or legatee.
- An estate qualifies as a small estate when Maryland probate assets are $50,000 or less.
- If the surviving spouse is the sole heir or legatee, the small-estate threshold is $100,000 or less.
- Small estates are generally administered through the Register of Wills with fewer requirements.
- Small estates are opened through the Register of Wills using a petition and inventory filings.
Sources
- https://registers.maryland.gov/main/newestate.html
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/maryland-avoiding-probate-31754.html
Risk sources
- Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Probate of wills and administration
Article III covers appointment, notices, creditor claims, and small-estate collection (Section 3-1201).
National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Maryland.