How Much Does a Will Cost in Maryland?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Maryland costs about $34,931 — roughly 7% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.Md. Est. & Trusts § 5-601 (small estate threshold), § 5-602 (small estate procedure), § 5-603 (small estate creditor bar: earlier of 6 months from death or 30 days from notice), § 6-102 (bond), § 7-601 (PR commission ceiling: 9% on first $20K + 3.6% on excess), § 7-602 (attorney reasonable comp), § 7-103 (publication), § 8-103 (regular estate creditor bar); § 2-206 (Register of Wills probate fee schedule); registers.maryland.govVerified Jul 14, 2026 These costs are paid by the estate before assets transfer to beneficiaries, reducing the total inheritance. Estimate the full cost with the Maryland probate calculator.

A will does not avoid probate in Maryland — probate is the court-supervised process that validates the will, pays debts, and distributes assets. Estates under $50,000 may qualify for a simplified small-estate procedure instead of full probate. A revocable living trust transfers assets to beneficiaries without probate at any estate size.

Online will services cost $30-$300 upfront compared to $1,110-$2,220 for an attorney in Maryland. Either way, the will goes through the same probate process. Total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and the eventual probate expenses heirs will pay.

Life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child require updating your will. Some online providers require purchasing a new document. Attorney amendments in Maryland cost $425 to $850 for minor changes and $1,700 to $3,400 for major restructuring.

Maryland has specific requirements for executing a valid will, including witness and notary rules. A will that does not meet these requirements may not be accepted during probate. See the full requirements with the Maryland signing requirements tool.