1. Locate and File the Will
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Cost: $0 – Filing the Will itself is free, but the full probate process begins when you open the estate.
2. Open the Estate
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File with Register of Wills:
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You must choose:
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Small Estate (≤ $50K or $100K if spouse only)
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Regular Estate (> $50K)
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Probate Fees (Based on Estate Value)
| Estate Value | Probate Fee (approximate) |
|---|---|
| $0 – $5,000 | $0 |
| $5,001 – $10,000 | $50 |
| $10,001 – $20,000 | $100 |
| $20,001 – $50,000 | $150 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $200 |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $300 – $1,000 |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Over $1,000,000 | Max $2,500 |
Additional Fee: There may be a small charge for certified copies of Letters of Administration (~$1–$5 per copy).
3. Appoint the Personal Representative
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No specific cost to be appointed, but:
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Surety Bond may be required if not waived in the Will or by heirs.
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Bond cost: Varies by estate value and credit history, often $200–$1,000+ annually.
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4. Notify Heirs and Creditors
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Publication Cost: Required notice must run in a local paper for 3 consecutive weeks.
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Cost: ~$100–$300 depending on newspaper and county.
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5. Inventory and Appraisal
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Inventory Filing Fee: Included in probate fees, no separate charge.
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Appraisal Fees:
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May be needed for real estate, collectibles, business interests.
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Cost: $300–$600 per appraisal, possibly more for complex assets.
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6. Pay Debts, Taxes, and Administrative Costs
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Creditor Payments: Varies.
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Taxes:
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Maryland inheritance tax (10% for non-exempt heirs).
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Estate tax applies to estates over $5 million (2025 exemption).
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Federal estate tax applies only to estates over $13.61 million (2025).
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Personal Representative Compensation:
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Maryland law allows payment based on estate value:
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9% on first $20,000, plus
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3.6% on the rest
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Example: Estate of $200,000 → PR fee = $20,000 × 9% + $180,000 × 3.6% = $7,080
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Attorney Fees:
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Optional but often used for regular estates.
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Cost: $2,000 – $10,000+ depending on complexity.
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May also be a percentage (e.g., 1.5–3% of estate).
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7. Accounting and Distribution
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No extra court fee, but accounting must be filed and approved.
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Can incur additional attorney/accountant fees if help is needed.
8. Close the Estate
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No court fee to close, but:
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Final filings may incur minor document fees.
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Certified copies may be needed for final asset transfers.
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Total Estimated Cost of Probate in Maryland
| Estate Size | Estimated Total Cost (w/ Attorney) |
|---|---|
| Small Estate (≤ $50K) | $300 – $1,000 |
| Regular Estate ($100K–$500K) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Large Estate ($500K–$1M+) | $10,000 – $20,000+ |
