Probate cost · Maryland
Probate cost in Maryland
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in Maryland costs about $29,960 to $43,530 for a $500,000 estate. The Orphans Court charges $200 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under § 5-601. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $680-$4,250.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in Maryland, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $200 | Register of Wills fee scales with estate value from $50 up to $2,500. |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $80 - $250 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | $200 - $2,500 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $400 - $1,500 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $19,080 on $500k | §7-601: 9% of the first $20,000 and 3.6% of the excess. Court can approve a higher fee under special circumstances. |
| Attorney fee | $10,000 - $20,000 on $500k | Attorney fees are reasonable and orphans-court-approved, typically 2-4% of the estate. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in Maryland across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where Maryland has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $13,160 - $20,730 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $29,960 - $43,530 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $57,960 - $81,530 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in Maryland
- If the estate is under $50,000, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Orphans Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $200-$2,500 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in Maryland?
Total probate cost in Maryland for a $500,000 estate typically runs $29,960 to $43,530. A $200,000 estate costs about $13,160-$20,730, a $1M estate $57,960-$81,530. Court filing alone is $200.
Who pays probate fees in Maryland?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Orphans Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under § 5-601.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($50,000 in Maryland). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in Maryland?
§7-601: 9% of the first $20,000 and 3.6% of the excess. Court can approve a higher fee under special circumstances.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Orphans Court at the end, typically 10 months after opening the estate.
Where in Maryland
In Maryland, probate fees are paid at the Orphans Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
Montgomery County
Orphans Court - courthouse in Rockville
- County seat
Prince George's County
Orphans Court - courthouse in Upper Marlboro
- County seat
Baltimore County
Orphans Court - courthouse in Towson
Every Maryland county has its own Orphans Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in Maryland
Related: Probate in Maryland · Cost calculator · Probate timeline