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Maryland Probate and Estate Forms

Maryland estate forms are the statewide 'RW' series published by the Maryland Register of Wills. Probate is opened with the Register of Wills in the county (or Baltimore City) where the decedent was domiciled, and the Orphans' Court supervises administration. The same RW forms are used in all 24 jurisdictions; only local contacts and land-records offices differ.

Maryland Probate Forms by Situation

Start with the Maryland Register of Wills Estate Forms page, identify the RW form number for your task (for example RW1112 to open a regular estate or RW1103 for a small estate), and follow the matching New Estate Packet for a step-by-step filing checklist.

Find Forms By Your Situation

Official Resources

Start with the Maryland Register of Wills Estate Forms page, identify the RW form number for your task (for example RW1112 to open a regular estate or RW1103 for a small estate), and follow the matching New Estate Packet for a step-by-step filing checklist.

Maryland Register of Wills - Estate Forms (RW series)

Official statewide library of Register of Wills estate forms and New Estate Packets (regular, small, modified administration, foreign proceedings).

Maryland Register of Wills - General Estate Information Guide

Official plain-language guide to opening and administering an estate through the Register of Wills and the Orphans' Court.

Maryland Register of Wills

Register of Wills home page with the directory of all 24 county and Baltimore City offices that open and administer estates.

Important Notes

  • -Probate is opened with the Register of Wills in the county or Baltimore City where the decedent was domiciled; the Orphans' Court supervises administration.
  • -Baltimore City is an independent city with its own Register of Wills and Orphans' Court and is distinct from Baltimore County; use the correct office.
  • -In Montgomery, Harford, and Howard counties there is no separately elected Orphans' Court; the Circuit Court judges sit as the Orphans' Court.
  • -The RW-series forms are statewide and used in all 24 jurisdictions; only local contacts, land records, and some instructions differ.
  • -The Register of Wills collects the statewide value-based probate fee (Est. & Trusts 2-206) and the 10% Maryland inheritance tax on property passing to non-exempt takers.
  • -Do not distribute estate assets before appointment, creditor issues, inheritance tax, and any spousal elective share are understood.

Sources: Maryland Register of Wills - Estate Forms (RW series) | Maryland Register of Wills - General Estate Information Guide

Not sure which Maryland forms you need?

Answer a few questions to sort the likely filing path before you pick forms or contact the Register of Wills.

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How to Use Maryland Probate FormsWhy the filing path comes before the form number

The form finder groups records such as Regular Estate Probate and Appointment, Small Estate Administration, Modified Administration, Inventory, Accounts, and Inheritance Tax so you can start with the likely procedure rather than one isolated form number.

Use source links such as Maryland Register of Wills - Estate Forms (RW series), Maryland Register of Wills - General Estate Information Guide, Maryland Register of Wills to locate official forms and verify which documents belong in the packet.

Maryland Form Prep ChecksCounty packet rules and the records to gather before filing

Choose the filing path

Common filing paths in this data include Regular estate probate and appointment, then inventory and accounts, Small estate administration, Modified administration with a single final report. Match the estate facts to the correct path before preparing forms.

Verify the county packet

Check the county Register of Wills or local filing-office instructions for coversheets, copy rules, appointments, fees, and filing methods.

Pull supporting records first

Collect the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset values, deed or title records, heir and beneficiary details, and creditor information before filling out the packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get Maryland probate forms?
Start with Maryland Register of Wills - Estate Forms (RW series), Maryland Register of Wills - General Estate Information Guide, Maryland Register of Wills. Then verify local county instructions before you file, because packet rules, copy requirements, fees, and filing methods can vary.
How do I know which Maryland probate form I need?
Start with the filing path, not the form number. The right packet depends on will status, asset type and value, creditor issues, heirs or beneficiaries, and whether a simplified procedure fits.
Can I file Maryland probate forms without an attorney?
Some paths may allow self-filing, but the answer still depends on the estate, the county office, disputes, real estate, creditors, and tax facts. Verify the county rules and get legal help when rights or strategy are unclear.
What should I gather before filling out Maryland probate forms?
Gather the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset and debt lists, deed or title records, beneficiary records, and names and addresses for heirs or beneficiaries.
Maryland Official Forms and SourcesOfficial references used for this page

Information current as of July 21, 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.

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