What Drives Probate Cost in Maryland
Court filing fees are the visible starting point, but many estates also pay for certified copies, notice or publication, property recordings, appraisals, and legal help.
Maryland’s Register of Wills probate fee is a single statewide value-bracket schedule under Md. Est. & Trusts § 2-206 ($0 for a probate estate under $50,000, then $100, $200, $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000 by value bracket, plus 0.02% of the excess over $10,000,000). It is identical in all 24 jurisdictions, so there is no separate per-county probate filing fee. Only ancillary costs vary locally: certified copies, newspaper publication, bond premium, and appraisals. The personal representative’s commission is a separate statewide statutory maximum (9% of the first $20,000 of estate value plus 3.6% of the excess, § 7-601), and Maryland sets no statutory attorney-fee schedule. Each jurisdiction has its own elected Register of Wills and a three-judge Orphans’ Court, except Montgomery, Harford, and Howard counties, where the Circuit Court judges sit as the Orphans’ Court; Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions. Confirm the current total with the Register of Wills where the decedent lived.
Cost componentsFiling fees, add-on charges, and attorney work compared
Court Filing Fees
The court procedure chosen is often the biggest first driver of cost. Simplified procedures usually cost less than full administration.
Additional Charges
Certified copies, publication or notice costs, appraisals, and document recordings can materially change the final number.
Attorney Work
Legal fees depend on the estate's issues. A modest estate with title or creditor problems can cost more than a larger estate with clean paperwork.
How to Use the EstimateWhat the number means and which check to run next
Use the result to set expectations, not to lock in a final fee quote. If the number looks high, the next question is whether all of the property really needs probate or whether some assets already transfer outside court.
From here, compare the estate structure with the estate value calculator, review transfer structure with the beneficiary checker, and use the Maryland courts page if you need the next local filing contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maryland probate costs and filing fees?
Do I need an attorney for Maryland probate?
How long does Maryland probate take?
Official Sources and Further ReadingOfficial references used for this page
- Md. Est. & Trusts § 2-206 Register of Wills probate fee (statewide value-bracket schedule, $0 under $50,000 up to $10,000 plus 0.02% over $10,000,000)
- Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-601 personal representative commission (9% of the first $20,000 plus 3.6% of the excess, statutory maximum)
- Md. Est. & Trusts § 5-601 small estate value thresholds ($50,000; $100,000 if the surviving spouse is the sole legatee or heir)
- Md. Tax-General § 7-203 inheritance tax exemptions (spouse, lineal descendants, parents, grandparents, siblings)
- Md. Tax-General § 7-309 Maryland estate tax ($5,000,000 exemption)
- Maryland Register of Wills: estate administration and fees
- IRS Publication 559 for survivors, executors, and administrators
- CFPB guide to managing someone else’s money
Information current as of May 31, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Maryland can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.