State of Maryland
Register Of Wills

The Register of Wills is responsible for appointing personal representatives to administer decedents’ estates and for overseeing the proper and timely administration of these proceedings. We also perform the following duties: assist and advise the public in the preparation of all required forms; maintain and preserve the permanent record of all proceedings; serve as the Clerk to the Orphans’ Court; track estates and refer delinquent matters to the Court; determine and collect inheritance taxes and probate fees/court costs; audit accounts of personal representatives and guardians; mail various notices and court orders to interested persons; and, verify compliance with court orders. For further information, please contact the Register in the county (jurisdiction) where the decedent resided at the time of death.

*** As of January 1, 2008, all claims filed with the Register of Wills must have a Certificate of Service with service on the Personal Representative.
** Effective January 1, 2009, no claim will be accepted without a Certificate of Service with service on the Personal Representative.
The new claim form is available for download in our forms section.

* updated

• Advance Directive/Living Wills
• 2004 Law Changes
• Living Trusts: Get the Facts!
• Administering Estates in Maryland
• What You need to know about Maryland's Estate Tax
• Estates and Trusts Tax Tip #61