Maryland allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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.
FirmEaston, MD
Serves 4 counties
Serves Talbot, Queen Anne's, Dorchester and Caroline counties from Easton. Provides counsel in the administration of estates and litigates matters relating to wills, trusts and estate administration, alongside preparing wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance directives. Michael Kopen has practiced law in Easton since 1982.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationTrust LitigationWills Trusts
- Office
- 8 Goldsborough StreetEaston, MD 21601
FirmSalisbury, MD
Since 1969 · Serves 4 counties
Long Badger LLC (formerly Long Badger & Sheller LLP) in Salisbury, Maryland has extensive experience in the probate and estate administration process serving the Eastern Shore. Operating since 1969.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateWills Trusts
- Office
- 124 East Main StreetSalisbury, MD 21801
FirmSalisbury, MD
Serves 4 counties
Serves Wicomico County from Salisbury, with clients in Ocean City, Cambridge, and Princess Anne. Handles probate and estate administration for executors, including surveying the estate, preparing estate and income tax returns, identifying heirs, distributing assets, and representation at probate hearings, along with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateWills Trusts
- Office
- 108 E Market StreetSalisbury, MD 21801
FirmEaston, MD
Serves 2 counties
Serves Talbot and Dorchester counties from offices in Easton and Cambridge, with ties dating back to 1954. Advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries on the administration of estates and trusts, including probate, post-mortem tax planning and federal and state estate tax returns. Represents clients in will contests and other estate and trust litigation, and handles guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more
- Office
- 129 North Washington StreetEaston, MD 21601
Solo PracticeSalisbury, MD
Since 1991 · Serves 5 counties
Serves Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester and Talbot counties from downtown Salisbury. Attorney Dirk W. Widdowson, in practice in Salisbury since 1979, handles estate probate, guardianship and estate planning alongside civil litigation, family, business and real estate matters.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianship
- Office
- 312 W. Main Street, Suite A-SouthSalisbury, MD 21801
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
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.
