Requirements
Maximum Estate Value: Spouses (if the sole legatee or heir of the decedent): $100,000; Descendants: $50,000
Required Conditions: The affidavit must be filed prior to the appointment of a personal representative. It must be filed at the Register of Wills office in the locality of the decedent’s permanent home or were living at the time of their death. The filing must take place in conjunction with the filing of the form “Schedule B: Small Estate – Assets and Debts of the Decedent.pdf“.
As stated on the website of the Office of the Register of Wills, the following documents will also need to be furnished for the form to be accepted:
- The decedent’s Last Will and Testament.
- Their death certificate.
- Their funeral contract/bill.
- Title the deceased individual’s automobiles and/or other motor vehicles.
- The names and addresses of persons interested in the estate (noted in the “List of Interested Persons” form)
Resources
The Office of the Register of Wills provides a number of useful resources that may be helpful for a Petitioner to refer to:
- “Decedent’s Estates” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What To Do If You Need To Open An Estate
- Administration of Estates in Maryland (Pamphlet)
The Petitioner must be aware of the fact that transferring an estate has certain tax implications. More information about the tax implication of transferring an estate can be found in the following resources: