Build Your Maryland Estate Plan with Essential FREE Forms
The Old Line State
Explore Maryland estate planning with FREE essential documents including Last Will, Healthcare Proxy, and Financial Power of Attorney forms, plus educational resources to help you understand your options.
What Makes Maryland Different
Like all states, Maryland recognizes formally executed wills and living trusts as valid estate planning tools. A standard will here requires 2 adult witnesses, and adding a notarized self-proving affidavit can streamline the probate process later.
Financial powers of attorney here require both two witnesses and a notary, making Maryland one of the stricter states for these documents. Plan to execute yours at a bank or attorney's office where you can satisfy all requirements at once.
If you die without a will in Maryland, your heirs must survive you by at least 30 days to inherit anything. This "survival period" exists to prevent property from passing through multiple estates in quick succession when family members die close together in time, such as in an accident.
Unlike states with formal independent administration statutes (such as California and Texas), Maryland doesn't offer a simplified procedure for executors to petition for reduced court oversight. However, executors typically have statutory authority to manage routine estate matters. For families looking to avoid probate court involvement entirely, a revocable living trust remains the most reliable option.
Maryland Estate Planning Resources
Free estate planning forms, calculators, and checklists for Maryland. No account required.
Maryland Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with Maryland's witness and notarization requirements included.
Maryland Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. Maryland's execution requirements included.
Maryland Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Maryland's requirements included.
Maryland Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs. Maryland's requirements included.
How Much Does Probate Cost in Maryland?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge in Maryland?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation in Maryland?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
Who Inherits in Maryland?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Maryland?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in Maryland?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
Do I Need Probate in Maryland?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
How Do I Settle an Estate in Maryland?
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
What Are My Duties as Trustee in Maryland?
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
What Are My Duties as Executor in Maryland?
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
What Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost in Maryland?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
What Does a Will Cost in Maryland?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need in Maryland?
Calculate how much life insurance coverage you need. Accounts for income replacement, debt payoff, college funding, and state-specific factors like cost of living and estate taxes.
What Should I Expect When Inheriting in Maryland?
Find out what to expect when inheriting money, property, or other assets. See timeline estimates, inheritance tax implications, and understand what the executor or trustee is handling behind the scenes.
Does Maryland have an inheritance tax?
Yes, Maryland imposes an inheritance tax on certain beneficiaries, with rates varying based on the relationship to the deceased. Spouses and children are exempt, while other beneficiaries may face taxes ranging from 0% to 10%. Maryland also has a separate estate tax that applies to larger estates.
