Montgomery County Register of Wills Guide

Regular Estate

Option

The standard administration track for estates that do not qualify for modified or small-estate administration. The personal representative is appointed by the Register of Wills, publishes notice, files an inventory and information report within 3 months, and files administration accounts (first within 9 months, then every 6 months) supervised by the Orphans' Court.

✓ No attorney required

7 documents needed

Modified Administration

Option

A streamlined administration available when the residuary legatees or heirs are limited to the personal representative and exempt (family) or a narrow class, all consent, and the estate is solvent. It replaces ongoing accounts with a single final report, generally due within 10 months of appointment. Verify eligibility and the current final-report deadline with the Register of Wills.

6 documents needed

Small Estate

Option

A small estate is available when the property subject to administration in Maryland is $50,000 or less as of the date of death, or $100,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole legatee or heir. The $50,000 / $100,000 thresholds have applied since October 1, 2012 and are keyed to the date of death (not indexed).

$50,000

4 documents needed