Probate Shortcuts in Maryland

Maryland offers a probate shortcut for "small estates." This makes it easier for survivors to transfer property left by a person who has died. You may be able to transfer a large amount of property using the following probate shortcut -- saving time, money, and hassle.

Simplified Probate Procedures

Maryland has a simplified probate process for small estates. To use it, an executor files a written request with the local probate court asking to use the simplified procedure. The court may authorize the executor to distribute the assets without having to jump through the hoops of regular probate.

You can use the simplified small estate process in Maryland if the property subject to probate in Maryland has a value of $30,000 or less, or if the surviving spouse is the only beneficiary, $50,000 or less. Md. Code Ann. [Est. and Trusts] §§ 5-601 and following.

For More Information

For help determining if an estate qualifies for one of these probate shortcuts, or handling an estate in general, see The Executor's Guide, by Mary Randolph (Nolo), or Estate Planning Basics, by Denis Clifford (Nolo).

Last updated on 01/17/08.