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In Maryland, a valid will must be (1) in writing, (2) signed, and (3) attested and signed by two credible witnesses. It may be handwritten or typed and any two adults can be witnesses. A will does not require a notary, though a notary can be a witness. Electronic, oral, and video wills are not valid in Maryland.

For estates with a value of at least $50,000, there is probate fee to cover the processing costs. The probate fee is based on the value of the assets. Please see the Fees Page for more information. Unless exempted under Maryland statute, there is also an inheritance tax due on distribution of remaining assets.

Ideally, you should be able to close the estate within 13 months of the decedent's death. However, depending on the size and complexity of the estate, it may take longer. In any case, it's important to keep meticulous records throughout the process to prove to the court that you've fulfilled all your fiduciary duties.

Assets that do not go through probate in Maryland include those with beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD) provisions, and assets held in joint ownership. Examples of these assets are: Life insurance policies with named beneficiaries.

Yes, you must probate an estate when the value of the estate assets exceeds the debts owed by the deceased. However, you may choose to file a Small Estate when the deceased's assets are less than $50,000 or $100,000 if the spouse is the sole heir.

Generally, if an individual dies with assets in his or her sole name, probate will be required. In addition, even if an individual dies with an original last will and testament and no assets in his or her sole name, the original will must be filed with the Register of Wills office.

As a rule, gifts of a set amount of money in a will should be paid out within a year of death. If the executor isn't able to pay the legacy within that time, the beneficiaries will be entitled to claim interest.

Ing to Maryland law, executor fees are calculated based on a sliding scale. This scale ranges from 9% of the first $20,000 of the gross estate, down to 0.5% of the excess over $5,000,000. This means the larger the estate, the lower the percentage the executor will receive.

Typical examples are jointly titled homes, retirement accounts with beneficiaries designated, and life insurance policies. Probate assets go through probate. Non-probate assets transfer outside the probate process.