Orphans' Court / Register of Wills - where to file an estate and opening deadline

What does Orphans' Court / Register of Wills - where to file an estate and opening deadline publish?

Where and when to file for an estate
You must file the necessary forms and documents with the Register of Wills in the jurisdiction in which the decedent was domiciled at the time of death. If you are seeking to open an estate, choose the correct jurisdiction from this menu: An estate must be opened if a decedent died owning any assets in their name alone or as a tenant in common. These are known as "probate assets." No. Maryland law does not specify a certain amount of time within which an estate for a decedent must be opened. (as published)

Published filing jurisdiction (Register of Wills where the decedent was domiciled), probate asset trigger and absence of an opening deadline.

court level: Orphans' Court
case type: estate
county: —
Where and when to file for an estate: You must file the necessary forms and documents with the Register of Wills in the jurisdiction in which the decedent was domiciled at the time of death. If you are seeking to open an estate, choose the correct jurisdiction from this menu: An estate must be opened if a decedent died owning any assets in their name alone or as a tenant in common. These are known as "probate assets." No. Maryland law does not specify a certain amount of time within which an estate for a decedent must be opened. (as published)
Source: Maryland Register of Wills: FAQ (public access to probate records and exceptions, free Estate Search viewing and copy fees, where and when to file)(retrieved 2026-10-17)

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