Maryland allows estates under $50,000 to use a simplified Petition for Administration of Small Estate procedure, which is a form rather than a court case and typically doesn't require an attorney. For larger estates, formal probate is involved enough that retaining counsel is usually practical — the procedural work is what they're there for. Use the Maryland probate calculator to estimate the costs.

In Maryland, the situations where retaining counsel is typically worth the cost are: blended families with children from prior relationships; ownership of a business, rental property, or significant investment assets; special-needs dependents who need a special-needs trust to preserve benefits; estates near or above the Maryland estate tax threshold; substantial property held in multiple states. If none of these describe your situation, the simpler online and DIY tools are often enough.

Maryland has an unusual fee split: attorney fees are negotiable, but the executor's compensation is set by statute at 2%–5% of the estate valueMd. Est. & Trusts § 7-601Verified May 14, 2026. That makes the executor portion predictable, which is useful when a family member is serving as executor and isn't sure what to charge.

Start by filtering the directory above by your county and the practice area you need. Look for firms with experience in your specific situation — board certifications in estate planning, trust, or probate law are a strong signal. Most Maryland estate planning attorneys offer an initial consultation; some are free, others charge a flat fee. Ask up front whether the firm bills by the hour or by flat-fee package, and what the expected cost is for your situation.