How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Maryland?
Maryland sets executor compensation by statute — about $19,080 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.8%Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-601Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Maryland sets executor compensation by statute — about $19,080 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.8%Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-601Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate; executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the schedule is the default. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
The Maryland statutory schedule for executor compensation is 9% on the first $20K, 3.6% on amounts above $20KMd. Est. & Trusts § 7-601Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate, and extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as the court approves.
In Maryland, co-executors divide one commission — the estate's total does not increase with the number of executors. The division is by agreement among the executors or as the court directs.Md. Est. & Trusts §§ 7-601, 7-604(a)(1)(ii)Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
Maryland requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultMd. Est. & Trusts § 6-102Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedMd. Est. & Trusts § 6-102Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%Md. Est. & Trusts § 6-102Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Maryland probate: attorney fees of typically 2.1%Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.3%Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, and executor compensation is set separatelyMd. Est. & Trusts § 7-601Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Maryland probate attorney fee calculator.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Maryland
Free forms for settling an estate in Maryland: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Maryland, the petition asks the Register of Wills to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableMd. Est. & Trusts § 5-301 et seq. (administrative probate; Register of Wills appointment)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Maryland, the notice to creditors is published for 3Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §§ 7-103, 7-103.1, 8-103, 8-104, 8-105, 8-107Verified Sep 15, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 6 monthsMd. Est. & Trusts § 8-103Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the date of death to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Maryland, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveMd. Code, Est. & Trusts § 5-105(c)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Estate Inventory
In Maryland, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysET §§ 7-201, 7-202, 7-203Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Maryland, the personal representative is discharged by court orderMd. Est. & Trusts §§ 7-501, 7-502, 6-303Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Maryland
Free tools for settling an estate in Maryland: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Maryland, informal probate is availableMd. Est. & Trusts § 5-301 et seq. (administrative probate; Register of Wills appointment)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Maryland, the Register of Wills appoints the personal representative and the Register of Wills issues Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableMd. Est. & Trusts § 5-301 et seq. (administrative probate; Register of Wills appointment)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Maryland, creditors have 6 monthsMd. Est. & Trusts § 8-103Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the date of death to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Maryland pays the claims in 12Md. Code, Est. & Trusts § 8-105Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with fees due to the register.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Maryland costs an estimated $33,231Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 2.1%Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.3%Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Hire a Maryland Probate Attorney
Browse 60 probate firms in Maryland with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Maryland Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Maryland probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.