Filing Fees

Worcester County, Maryland

Fee Type	Amount
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $0 but less than $50,000	$0
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $50,000 but less than $100,000	$100
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $100,000 but less than $500,000	$200
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000	$1,000
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $1,000,000 but less than $2,500,000	$2,000
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $2,500,000 but less than $5,000,000	$5,000
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $5,000,000 but less than $7,500,000	$7,500
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $7,500,000 but less than $10,000,000	$10,000
Probate Fee for Estates Opened October 1, 2022 and After. If the value of the probate estate is at least $10,000,000	$10,000 plus .02% of excess over $10,000,000
Filing a Will for Safekeeping	$5.00
Plain Copies	$0.50 per page
Certified Copies	$0.50 per page plus $2.00
Exemplified Copies	$0.50 per page plus $6.00
Letters of Administration	$1.00
Claims Fee	$3.00
Caveat, Controversial Fees, Exceptions	$20.00
Copy of Court Hearing	$25.00
Declaration of Domestic Partnership	$25.00
Additional Domestic Partnership Certificates	$2.00 per certificate

Judges & Officers

Michael T. Diffendal

Linda M. Hess

Cheryl Kelley Jacobs

Probate Forms Library

47 fillable forms — scroll to browse

1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload

1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload

1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload

SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload

SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload

SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload

Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload

SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload

706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload

SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload

1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload

1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload

706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload

FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload

VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload

SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload

FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload

SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload

FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload

8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload

1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload

706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload

706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload

8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload

56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload

706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload

1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload

I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload

2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload

FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload

706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload

4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload

FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload

SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload

1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload

706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload

706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload

1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload

706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload

706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

Administering Estates in MarylandMaryland Register of WillsstateDownload

Administration of Estates in Montgomery County, MarylandMaryland Register of WillsstateDownload

RW1104 — LIST OF INTERESTED PERSONSMaryland Register of WillsstateDownload

Probate Guide

Probate in Worcester County, Maryland

The Worcester County Orphans' Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Worcester County, MD, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Maryland, the orphans' court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Maryland?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Maryland's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Worcester County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Worcester County Orphans' Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Maryland law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Maryland, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Maryland does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Worcester County Orphans' Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Worcester County Orphans' Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Register of Wills for Worcester County is The Honorable Terri Westcott. To open a new estate, please call the office at (410) 632-1529 before coming in. Staff are available by phone Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The office cannot provide legal advice or services, but can provide assistance.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Worcester County, MD?

Probate petitions for estates in Worcester County are filed at the Worcester County Orphans' Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Worcester County?

Probate filing fees in Worcester County, Maryland vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the orphans' court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Maryland?

Probate in Maryland typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Worcester County?

While not always legally required in Maryland, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Maryland, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Worcester County Orphans' Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Maryland

Jack Beckett

Franke Beckett LLC

Annapolis · 81 mi

Fiduciary LitigationGeneral Trust & Estate+1

Frederick (Fred) Franke

Franke Beckett LLC

Annapolis · 81 mi

General Trust & EstateFiduciary Litigation+1

Richard (Rich) Wright

The Wright Firm

Annapolis · 84 mi

General Trust & EstateTestamentary Planning+2

Christine Hubbard

Law Offices of Christine W. Hubbard

Davidsonville · 86 mi

Asset ProtectionBusiness Planning+3

Lynn Sassin

Gordon Feinblatt LLC

Baltimore · 100 mi

General Trust & EstateTestamentary Planning+1

See more attorneys near Worcester County →

Related Resources

Maryland Probate Guide →All Maryland Courts →Financial Institutions →