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Maryland Probate Timeline Calculator

Estimate how long probate will take in Maryland — based on whether you use Modified Administration, and the six-month creditor deadline that runs from the date of death.

Based on Est. & Trusts 7-104, 8-103, 9-101 et seq. FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Maryland probate

Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.

Estimated timeline in Maryland
9–15 months
Regular estate, cooperative heirs, no real estate sale
What is Modified Administration? →
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Maryland's probate timeline, at a glance

MilestoneMaryland ruleSource
List of Interested PersonsWith petition, or within 20 days of appointmentEst. & Trusts § 7-104
Inventory & Information ReportWithin 3 months of appointmentEst. & Trusts § 7-104
Modified Administration electionWithin 3 months of appointment, if eligibleMd. Register of Wills
Creditor claim deadlineEarlier of 6 months from death, or 2 months from mailed noticeEst. & Trusts § 8-103
Regular estate: first accountWithin 9 months of appointment (as early as 6)Est. & Trusts Title 7, Subtitle 3
Modified Administration: Final Report10 months after appointmentMd. Register of Wills
Modified Administration: final distributionWithin 12 months of appointmentMd. Register of Wills

Maryland probate timeline — frequently asked questions

How long does probate take in Maryland?

Most Maryland estates take 9 to 15 months for a regular estate, or as fast as 10–12 months under Modified Administration. Creditors have up to six months from the date of death to file claims under Est. & Trusts § 8-103, which sets the floor.

What is Modified Administration in Maryland?

An optional, faster track available within three months of appointment, if all residuary legatees or heirs consent. It eliminates the formal Inventory and account, replacing them with a Final Report due 10 months after appointment, with final distribution required within 12 months.

When are Maryland creditor claims due?

Within the earlier of six months from the date of death, or two months after the personal representative mails direct notice to a known creditor, under Est. & Trusts § 8-103(a). Unlike many states, the six-month clock runs from death itself, not from published notice.

When is the first account due in a Maryland regular estate?

Within nine months of the personal representative's appointment, though it can be filed as early as six months. An Inventory and Information Report are due sooner, within three months of appointment.

Maryland probate tools & guides

Maryland Probate DeadlinesEvery statutory date, with citations What Delays Probate in MarylandThe real causes, beyond the baseline Regular vs Modified AdministrationWhich one applies to your estate Maryland Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on Maryland statute (Est. & Trusts § 7-104, 8-103, and Title 9 governing accounts, plus Register of Wills administrative guidance on Modified Administration). Actual timelines depend on the specific Orphans' Court's calendar, whether the estate is contested, and how quickly the personal representative files. Confirm current timelines with the Register of Wills or a licensed Maryland attorney before acting.