The Register of Wills is a publicly elected official established by the Maryland Constitution. Each county and Baltimore City elects a Register to a four-year term, coinciding with gubernatorial elections.
The Register of Wills appoints personal representatives to administer the estates of deceased individuals and oversees the timely and legal administration of these proceedings.
The office also performs the following duties: assists and advises the public in the preparation of all required forms; maintains and preserves permanent records of all proceedings; serves as Clerk to the Orphans’ Court; monitors estates and refers overdue matters to the Court; assesses and collects inheritance taxes and probate fees/court costs; audits accounts of personal representatives and guardians; issues various court notices and orders to interested persons; and verifies compliance with court orders. As a courtesy, the office provides safekeeping for the wills of living persons.
The process of probating an estate literally means to prove, as in proving a person’s will. It may be handled administratively in the Register of Wills office, or judicially by the Orphans’ Court when necessary. It involves gathering assets, paying all creditors and distributing all property titled in the decedent’s name to the beneficiaries named in the will, or to those who would inherit under intestacy laws (dying without a will).
The Maryland Register of Wills is committed to providing citizens with the best possible service. Every effort is made to provide accurate information and assistance regarding matters of importance to you. However, please be advised that by law, the office is prohibited from giving legal advice.
The information on this website is published to continue a tradition of courteous, professional, and efficient service. The information you will find here is intended to assist you by providing some basic information concerning estates and the function of the Registers of Wills offices. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Publications sections for general information, form instructions, and informational brochures. An updated RW1138 – Consent to Compensation form will be effective October 1, 2024. The new form will be available for download from this date.
