Each county in Maryland has an Office known as the Register of Wills. The Office of Register of Wills is a public office established under the Constitution of the State of Maryland. The Constitution provides for a Register from each county and the City of Baltimore. Each Register is elected by qualified voters for a four-year term of office at the time of the gubernatorial election.
The Register of Wills is responsible for appointing Personal Representatives to administer decedents’ Estates and for overseeing the proper and timely administration of these proceedings.
The Register of Wills accepts filing of all required documents and forms; maintains and preserves the permanent record of all proceedings; serves as the Clerk to the Orphans’ Court; tracks Estates and refers delinquent matters to the Court; determines and collects inheritance taxes and probate fees/court costs; audits accounts of Personal Representatives and guardians; mails various notices and Court Orders to Interested Persons; and, verifies compliance with Court Orders. As a service, they also provide safekeeping for Wills of living persons.
You may file in person at the Register of Wills in the county in which the Decedent was domiciled (lived), or you may mail your documents. Many Registers do require appointments.
The employees at the Register of Wills are NOT attorneys and may not give legal advice as this would constitute the Unlawful Practice of Law.
Notably, if you have hired an attorney, your attorney will prepare all documents and file them on your behalf with the Register of Wills.