What To Do If You Need To Open An Estate

The following is a partial list of items you will be required to furnish to open an estate in Maryland:

• Decedent's Last Will and Testament
• Death Certificate
• Funeral Contract/Bill
• Approximate value of assets in the decedent's name alone
• Title to decedent's automobiles and/or other motor vehicles
• Names and addresses of persons interested in the estate
• Regular Estate Forms - forms available on the web site - CLICK HERE
• Small Estate Forms - forms available on the web site - CLICK HERE
• Any applicable filing fee

In order to determine which forms and requirements apply to your situation, it is preferred that you speak to a probate deputy prior to arrival.
For more information, please call the New Proceedings Division in the county of residence of the decedent. Click Here For A Directory
So that we can provide faster service, it is recommended that you make an appointment to open an estate.

Regular Estate - property of the decedent subject to administration in Maryland is established to have a value in excess of $50,000 (in excess of $100,000 if spouse is sole heir). For persons dying prior to October 1, 2012, a Regular Estate consists of assets with a gross value in excess of $30,000 (or $50,000 if the sole heir or legatee is the surviving spouse).

Small Estate - property of the decedent subject to administration in Maryland is established to have a value of $50,000 or less ($100,000 or less if the spouse is the sole heir). For persons dying prior to October 1, 2012, the Small Estate limit is $30,000 or less (or $50,000 or less if the sole heir or legatee is the surviving spouse).