The Register Of Wills is a constitutionally established public office in Maryland. Each county and Baltimore City elects a Register every four years, concurrent with the gubernatorial election.
The Register of Wills appoints personal representatives to administer the estates of deceased individuals and oversees the timely and lawful administration of these proceedings.
The office also: assists and advises the public in preparing required forms; maintains permanent records of all proceedings; acts as Clerk to the Orphans’ Court; monitors estates and refers breaches to the Court; assesses and collects inheritance taxes and probate fees/court costs; audits accounts of personal representatives and guardians; issues notices and court orders to interested individuals; and verifies compliance with court orders. As a courtesy, we provide safekeeping for the wills of living persons.
The Register of Wills is responsible for probating wills, issuing letters of administration, and overseeing the estate administration process. This includes supervising the distribution of a deceased person’s assets according to their will, or according to state law if there is no will.
The probate process involves verifying the validity of the will, inventorying assets, and paying debts and taxes. The Register of Wills is also responsible for resolving any disputes that may arise concerning the will or estate.
What is Probate?
Probate literally means to prove, as in proving a person’s will. It may be done administratively in the Register of Wills Office or, when necessary, judicially by the Orphans’ Court. It is the gathering of assets, the paying of all creditors, and the transferring of all assets titled in the name of the deceased to the beneficiaries named in the Will or those who would inherit under the laws of intestacy (dying without a will).
Register of Wills Office Services
The Registers of Wills are committed to providing citizens with the best possible service. Every effort is made to offer accurate information and assistance concerning matters important to you. However, please be advised that we are prohibited by law from giving legal advice.
This website has been published to continue our tradition of courteous, professional and efficient service. The information you find here is intended to assist you by providing some basic information concerning estates and the function of our office. Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Publications sections for general information, form instructions and brochures. We sincerely hope you find this website helpful and that your experience with our office is a satisfying one.
