Where do I go to open an estate, or get information on wills and probate?
The Register of Wills can provide information on opening an estate, wills, and registering wills in Maryland. The Register of Wills has an office in each county and in Baltimore City. Find contact information for each local office on the Register of Wills website. When you are ready, you will file paperwork to open an estate with a local Register of Wills office.
To find information on what to file to open an estate, wills, and the probate process, visit the Register of Wills website, read the People’s Law Library of Maryland, or watch the video series Preparing to Open an Estate.
What is the Register of Wills and the Orphans’ Court?
The Register of Wills serves as the clerk to the Orphans' Court. The Register of Wills helps with forms, keeps the record of court hearings, tracks estates, and collects inheritance tax and probate fees, among other tasks. When you file paperwork to open an estate, you will give those documents to the Register. The Orphans’ Court can decide on legal issues related to estate administration, or probate.
Can I access estate case records online?
The Register of Wills provides online access to estate records through Estate Search.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process to transfer property from the person who passed away to the people who will inherit the property. This process is also referred to as estate administration. The process includes managing the property, handling expenses and claims against the estate, and distributing property to the people who will inherit.
What happens after I open an estate?
The Register of Wills or the Orphans’ Court will appoint the personal representative. The personal representative handles the legal affairs of the estate. They manage the estate. This is called estate administration.
If you are the personal representative, the Register of Wills will give you Letters of Administration. The Letters give you the authority to handle the estate. As the personal representative, you will be required to file certain documents and information during the process of estate administration. For more information, talk to the Register of Wills, visit the People’s Law Library of Maryland, or watch the video series, Estate Administration for Personal Representatives.