Skip to Content Accessibility Information

The Office of the REGISTER OF WILLS

Welcome to the Register of Wills

Each of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions has a Register of Wills who is elected or appointed to serve the public. To find your local Register’s office, click on a jurisdiction on the map or choose from the dropdown list or menu items. Please note that estates are opened in the jurisdiction in which the decedent was domiciled at the time of their passing.

Important Notices

  • Law and Form Changes Effective October 1, 2025

    Please CLICK HERE to read an important update regarding new laws and new forms effective October 1, 2025. For those declaring domestic partnerships around October 1, this is an important update.

Maryland Register of Wills Offices

Zip Code Search

Not a real zip code.

News and Important Updates

Law Updates Effective October 1, 2025

Maryland Rule Changes

  • Maryland Rule 6-209 was amended to change persons objecting to the appointment of a personal representative on the Small Estate Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors, Notice to Unknown Heirs, clarifying that interested persons and unpaid claimants have the right to object within the time limitation.
  • Maryland Rule 6-311 was amended to change persons objecting to the appointment of a personal representative on the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors, Notice to Unknown Heirs, clarifying that interested persons and unpaid claimants have the right to object within the time limitation, but all persons may object to the probate of a will within the time limitation.

Legislative Changes

  • Estates and Trusts § 8-105 was amended to include a new line item, “(6) Unpaid child support due by the decedent;” in the order of payment of claims.
  • Estates and Trusts § 2-214 was amended to change the requirements for filing registered domestic partnerships. Declarations will require full legal name, date of birth, and social security number.

Form Updates Effective October 1, 2025

  • RW101 Declaration of Domestic Partnership - For the day you are filing or planning to file a declaration for a new registered domestic partnership:
  • RW1109 Small Estate Notice of Appointment Notice to Creditors Notice to Unknown Heirs - edits to limit objections to appointment of a personal representative to interested persons and unpaid creditors.
  • RW1114 Notice of Appointment Notice to Creditors Notice to Unknown Heirs - edits to limit objections to appointment of a personal representative to interested persons and unpaid creditors. All persons may still object to the probate of a will.

Who We Are

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.

We also perform the following duties: assist and advise the public in the preparation of all required forms; maintain and preserve the permanent record of all proceedings; serve as the Clerk to the Orphans’ Court; track estates and refer delinquent matters to the Court; determine and collect inheritance taxes and probate fees/court costs; audit accounts of personal representatives and guardians; mail various notices and court orders to interested persons; and, verify compliance with court orders. As a service, we provide safekeeping for wills of living persons.

What Is Probate?

The literal interpretation means to prove, as in proving one's will. It can be done administratively in the Register of Wills Office or judicially by the Orphans' Court when necessary. It is the marshalling of assets, the payment of all creditors and the transference of all property in the decedent's name to the beneficiaries either named in the will or who would inherit under the laws of intestacy (dying without a will).

About Our Services

The Offices of the Registers Of Wills are committed to giving our constituents the best service possible. Every effort is made to provide accurate information and assistance regarding matters that are important to you. Please be advised, however, that we are prohibited by law from rendering legal advice.

We have published this website in an attempt to carry on our tradition of courteous, professional and efficient service. The information you will find here is intended to assist you by providing some basic information relating to estates and the functions of our offices. Please be sure to check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and our Publications Section for general information, sample guides and informative brochures.

We sincerely hope you find this website helpful and your experience with our offices satisfactory.