Maryland allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Carroll County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Maryland are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Carroll County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Register of Wills, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
FirmBaltimore, MD
Since 1993 · Serves 6 counties
Serves Baltimore City and the surrounding counties from downtown Baltimore. Assists personal representatives in settling estates, from gathering assets and paying debts to distribution, tax returns and the estate accounting, and represents beneficiaries and excluded heirs in will contests and breach of fiduciary duty litigation. Serves estates of any asset level.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationMedicaid PlanningWills Trusts
- Office
- 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2102Baltimore, MD 21201
FirmWestminster, MD
Since 1959 · Serves 1 county
Serves Carroll County from downtown Westminster, near the Register of Wills and Orphans' Court. Handles judicial and administrative probate with in-house preparation of estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns, represents clients in estate controversies before the Orphans' Court, and advises trustees administering inter vivos and testamentary trusts. Founded in 1959, the firm has prepared estate planning documents for thousands of individuals.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more
- Office
- 182 East Main StreetWestminster, MD 21157
FirmPasadena, MD
Serves 3 counties
Serves Anne Arundel, Queen Anne's and Carroll counties from a main office in Pasadena and appointment-only offices in Annapolis, Stevensville and Mt. Airy. Handles probate and estate administration, trust administration and counsel to trustees, and guardianships, along with estate, elder law and Medicaid planning, and has served the community for over 70 years.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more
- Office
- 8562 Fort Smallwood RoadPasadena, MD 21122
FirmWestminster, MD
Since 1936 · Serves 1 county
Serves Carroll County from Westminster, where the practice was established in 1936. Handles probate and estate and trust administration, including the inventory, the accounting and Maryland and federal estate and fiduciary income tax returns, along with estate disputes and Medicaid planning. One of the few Carroll County firms that handles Pennsylvania wills and estate and trust administration.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 5 more
- Office
- 24 North Court StreetWestminster, MD 21157
Solo PracticeWestminster, MD
Serves 6 counties
Serves Carroll County and surrounding counties from Westminster, near the Carroll County courts. Guides personal representatives through opening the estate, the inventory and valuation, sale of assets, payment of taxes and debts, and distribution, and handles disputes over wills, undue influence and breach of fiduciary duty, as well as guardianship of the person and of the property. Gary W. Desper is a former Assistant Attorney General for Maryland; the first 30 minutes of a consultation are free for new clients.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationGuardianshipWills Trusts
- Office
- 43 North Court StreetWestminster, MD 21157
Solo PracticeFinksburg, MD
Serves 1 county
Solo practice in Finksburg serving communities around Carroll County. Handles probate of small and large estates, inventories and accountings, notice to heirs and creditors, trust administration, will contests and estate litigation. Meets clients at an agreed location, makes house calls when needed, and offers after-hours and weekend appointments.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more
- Office
- PO Box 499Finksburg, MD 21048
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
