What does Orphans' Court / Register of Wills - probate records public access rules publish?

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Public and non-public records: All papers filed in probate estates in Maryland are public record 1 . 1 Unless the record is required denial of inspection per Maryland Rules 16-900 et. seq. Please note that Last Wills and Testaments filed for safekeeping by living persons are not public record. Only the testator (the individual who filed the Will), or someone authorized by them in writing, may view or remove the Will from our safekeeping records. Your Last Will and Testament only becomes public record if (1) you die with a valid Will and your family needs to open an estate to manage probate assets or (2) you die with a valid Will and you have no probate assets, but your Will is filed with the Register of Wills as a "Will of No Estate." (as published); Case types covered (traffic, criminal, civil, judgments and liens, estate, appeals): The Register of Wills also performs the following duties: assists and advises the public in the preparation of all required forms; maintains and preserves the permanent record of all proceedings; tracks estates and refers delinquent matters to the orphans' court; determines and collects inheritance taxes, probate fees, and other costs; audits accounts of personal representatives and guardians; mails various notices and court orders to interested persons; and, verifies compliance with court orders. (as published)

Orphans' Court / Register of Wills - probate records public access rules

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