Probate in Maryland, handled for you
Maryland settles estates through the Register of Wills and Orphans' Court. The Register of Wills manages the administrative process, and the Orphans' Court handles disputes. Maryland does not strictly require an attorney for an ordinary, uncontested estate. A small-estate procedure is available for estates under $50,000. Kindred handles the administration for one flat fee.
Maryland lets you handle an uncontested probate without a lawyer. Maryland does not strictly require an attorney for an ordinary, uncontested estate. The Register of Wills offices assist families with the process. Kindred handles the administrative work; if anything is contested and goes to the Orphans' Court, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing.
The four things families ask first
Hourly / flat fee
Read moreA typical Maryland probate runs about 8 to 14 months.
Read more$50,000 ($100,000 if surviving spouse is the sole heir)
Read moreRegister of Wills / Orphans' Court, in the county where the person lived
What it could cost in Maryland
≈ 45 hours of admin and legal work, all billed at lawyer rates.
Kindred + your attorney
Estimated difference vs. a full-service firm
$5,500
+ about 150 hours of your own time
Full-service estimated at $250–$400/hr for ~45hours; the attorney figure is an illustrative fixed fee. Illustrative only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate. We're not a law firm; an independent attorney always handles the legal work.
Frequently asked
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Maryland?
Not strictly — Maryland does not require an attorney for an ordinary, uncontested estate. Kindred handles the administrative work for a flat fee. If a dispute arises and goes to the Orphans' Court, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing. Kindred is not a law firm.
How much does probate cost in Maryland?
No statutory percentage fee — attorneys typically bill $250-$400/hour or a flat fee. Register of Wills fees vary by county and estate size. Estates under $50,000 ($100,000 if surviving spouse sole heir) can use the small-estate procedure. These are illustrative figures.
How long does probate take in Maryland?
Typically 8 to 14 months. Creditors have 6 months from publication of notice to file claims. An inventory and information report are due within 3 months of appointment.
Last verified July 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
You don't have to carry this alone.
Tell us about the estate on a free, no-obligation call. We'll map out exactly what needs to happen — and how we'd take it off your plate.
Start with fixed-fee Estate Setup, then choose the right package.
Tell us about your situation
Has the person passed away?
Your relationship to them