Overview
Anne Arundel County is located in Maryland with a population of approximately 593,000. The Anne Arundel County Register of Wills handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Maryland probate is governed by the Estates and Trusts Article of the Maryland Code. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration (Form 1112) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Administration to the appointed personal representative.
Small Estates: Maryland offers a simplified "Small Estate" proceeding if the probate assets are valued at $50,000 or less (or $100,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole heir). Small estates have significantly lower filing fees and a streamlined process.
Fees: Maryland probate fees are based on the value of the probate estate. Notably, for estates opened on or after October 1, 2022, there is no probate fee for small estates valued under $50,000.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Anne Arundel County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Anne Arundel County Register of Wills
Probate matters in Anne Arundel County are handled at the Register of Wills Office.
Address: 2011 E Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 222-1430
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills is responsible for appointing personal representatives, collecting fees, and overseeing the administrative aspects of probate. Contested matters are heard by the Orphans' Court for Anne Arundel County, which sits at the same location.
Parking and Access
The Register of Wills office is located in an office park setting (Commerce Park), not the historic downtown courthouse. Free parking is available in the lot attached to the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less ($100,000 if spouse is sole heir), you can file for a Small Estate administration.
- Modified Administration: Available if the residuary legatees are limited to the personal representative, spouse, and/or children, and the estate is solvent.
- Non-Probate Assets: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, IRAs) or joint owners with rights of survivorship generally do not pass through probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Administration (Form 1112) with the Anne Arundel County Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if any)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- List of Interested Persons (Form 1104)
- Filing fee (if applicable)
- Notice of Appointment (Form 1114)
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, the Register of Wills typically arranges for publication, but the Personal Representative is responsible for ensuring it occurs. You must:
- Publish notice of the appointment in a newspaper of general circulation in Anne Arundel County (e.g., The Capital) once a week for three successive weeks.
- Mail notice to all interested persons and known creditors.
Step 4: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters of Administration, the personal representative must:
- File an Inventory of all estate assets within 3 months of appointment.
- File an Information Report regarding non-probate assets within 3 months.
- Pay valid creditor claims (creditors have 6 months from date of death to file claims).
- File an Administration Account within 9 months of appointment.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries after the account is approved.
Local Requirements
Anne Arundel County-Specific Procedures
- Location: Unlike many Maryland counties where the Register of Wills is in the main Circuit Courthouse, Anne Arundel's office is in a separate office park on Commerce Park Drive.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in The Capital or Maryland Gazette. The cost is paid by the estate.
- E-Filing: Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) is available, but many initial probate petitions are still filed in person or by mail. Check with the Register's office for current e-filing mandates for self-represented litigants.
- Bond: A nominal bond is usually required unless excused by the will or waiver, but a bond of personal representative (insurance) may be required for larger estates.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Anne Arundel County)
Fees are based on the value of the probate estate (for estates opened on/after Oct 1, 2022):
- Value under $50,000: $0
- $50,000 - $100,000: $100
- $100,000 - $500,000: $200
- $500,000 - $1,000,000: $1,000
- $1,000,000 - $2,500,000: $2,000
- $2,500,000 - $5,000,000: $5,000
- Over $5,000,000: See fee schedule ($7,500+)
Other Costs:
- Will Safekeeping: $5.00
- Certified Copies: $0.50 per page + $2.00
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The Register of Wills accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Discover) with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estates: 6-9 months
- Regular Estates: 9-12 months (minimum)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 6 months from the date of death to file claims, which sets the minimum duration for most regular estates.
Local Resources
Anne Arundel County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: registers.maryland.gov
- Estate Search: registers.maryland.gov
- Maryland Probate Forms: registers.maryland.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Anne Arundel Bar Association: (410) 222-6860 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Maryland Legal Aid: (410) 972-2700 — Annapolis Office
- Maryland State Bar Association: msba.org
Publication
- The Capital: (410) 268-5000 — Legal Advertising
- Maryland Gazette: (410) 268-5000