Free Maryland Last Will and Testament

In Maryland, a will is signed before 2 witnesses, and it is self-proved when properly executed.

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Your Information

This information identifies you as the person making this will. It also determines your state's specific execution requirements.

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*

Date of Birth(MM/DD/YYYY)*

Email Address*

Phone Number*

Street Address*

City*

State*

ZIP Code*

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SELF-HELP SERVICE: SimplyTrust provides a self-help document preparation service. We are not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice, select forms for you, or tell you how to complete forms. Our role is limited to providing a platform where you input your own information into document templates.

NOT LEGAL ADVICE: This document was created entirely based on your selections. SimplyTrust does not review, analyze, or verify your entries, nor do we verify your identity, capacity, or authority to act. You are solely responsible for determining whether this document meets your needs and for completing all required execution formalities (signatures, witnesses, notarization, or recording) in accordance with your state's laws. For any legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Maryland requires 2 witnesses present when the testator signs. Maryland does not reduce a gift to a witness who is also a beneficiary.

No. Maryland does not require notarization for a will to be valid. A properly executed Maryland will is self-proving on its own, without a separate notarized affidavit.

No. Maryland does not recognize holographic (handwritten) wills. A will must be typed or printed and signed with the formalities Maryland requires; a Maryland probate court will not accept an unwitnessed handwritten document.

A will directs who inherits, but the estate still passes through Maryland probate, where the court validates the will and oversees the distribution. A simple estate typically takes 6 months to 9 months, with attorney fees of typically 2.1% to 3.3% of the estate. In Maryland, estates valued at $50,000 or less qualify for the Petition for Administration of Small Estate, a court procedure short of full probate. Assets held in a revocable living trust pass outside probate.

Yes. A will can be executed entirely remotely in Maryland: the signing happens in a live video session with an online notary, with 2 witnesses in the same video session.

Why Create a Will in Maryland?

Without a will, Maryland intestacy laws decide who inherits your property. This often means assets go to relatives you may not have chosen, while close friends, partners, or charities receive nothing. Who inherits under Maryland intestacy law shows how the state would divide your estate.

A will specifies who inherits, can name guardians for children, and appoints an executor to manage the process.

In Maryland, your will needs 2 witnesses to be valid; notarization is not required for validity. The document carries a self-proving affidavit — a notarized statement that lets the will be admitted without the witnesses appearing in court.

Maryland offers simplified probate for estates under $50,000. A will still names guardians and appoints an executor, and directs who inherits what the simplified procedure collects.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 16, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Maryland statutes and official state code. How we research.

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In-depth guides covering Maryland probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

Free Maryland Last Will and Testament

In Maryland, a will is signed before 2 witnesses, and it is self-proved when properly executed.

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Why Create a Will in Maryland?

A will specifies who inherits, can name guardians for children, and appoints an executor to manage the process.

Maryland offers simplified probate for estates under $50,000. A will still names guardians and appoints an executor, and directs who inherits what the simplified procedure collects.

Free Maryland Last Will and Testament

Your Information

Is this your situation?

New Baby or Adoption

Marriage

Divorce

New Home

Forms for Planning Your Estate in Maryland

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Financial Power of Attorney

Transfer on Death Deed

Vehicle Transfer on Death

Living Will

Tools for Planning Your Estate in Maryland

How Much Does a Will Cost?

How Do I Name a Guardian for My Minor Children?

Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?

What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?

How Do I Sign Estate Documents?

Will My Estate Documents Transfer?

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Maryland Estate Planning Resources

Free Maryland Last Will and Testament

Your Information