Overview
Calvert County is located in Maryland with a population of approximately 94,913. The Register of Wills for Calvert County 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 Maryland Estates and Trusts Article, Title 5. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration (Form RW1112) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Maryland offers a simplified Small Estate procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less (or $100,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole heir). This process is faster and less expensive than regular estate administration.
Maryland has a statutory fee schedule for personal representatives and attorneys. For estates over $20,000, the maximum commission is generally 9% of the first $20,000 and 3.6% of the balance.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Calvert 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
Register of Wills for Calvert County
Probate matters in Calvert County are handled at the Calvert County Courthouse.
Address: 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: 410-535-1600 x2256 (Main Number)
Alternate Numbers: 410-535-0121, 301-855-1243 (DC Line), 888-374-0015 (Toll Free)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills office is located within the courthouse and is responsible for appointing personal representatives, collecting inheritance taxes, and maintaining all probate records.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in front, behind, and beside the Courthouse on Duke Street. However, parking is limited. Overflow parking is available on Main Street.
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 may file for 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.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Administration (Form RW1112) with the Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if any)
- Schedule A (Regular Estate) or Schedule B (Small Estate)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (based on the value of the probate estate)
- List of Interested Persons (Form RW1104)
Forms can be downloaded from the Register of Wills website.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the appointment to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 20 days of appointment.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Calvert County (e.g., Calvert Recorder or Calvert County Times) once a week for three successive weeks. The Register of Wills often assists with coordinating this publication.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Most administrative probate matters do not require a formal hearing unless there is a dispute or the will is contested (Judicial Probate). If approved, the Register of Wills issues Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- File an Information Report within 3 months
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- Pay valid creditor claims (creditors have 6 months to file claims)
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a First Administration Account within 9 months of appointment
Local Requirements
Calvert County-Specific Procedures
- Forms: All forms must be the official Maryland Register of Wills forms.
- Bond requirements: A nominal bond is typically required for all personal representatives, unless waived by the will or all interested persons.
- Publication: The Register of Wills typically prepares the Notice of Appointment for publication in a local newspaper like the Calvert Recorder.
- Inheritance Tax: Maryland imposes an inheritance tax of 10% on property passing to collateral heirs (e.g., nieces, nephews, friends), which is collected by the Register of Wills.
Always check with the Register of Wills office for the most current local protocols.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Calvert County)
Fees are based on the value of the probate estate (effective October 1, 2022):
- $0 - $50,000: $0 (No fee for Small Estates)
- $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
- $5,000,000 - $10,000,000: $7,500
- Over $10,000,000: $10,000
- Will for Safekeeping: $5.00
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$100 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The Register of Wills accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estates: 2-4 months
- Regular Estates (Simple): 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 6 months from the date of death to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for most regular estates.
Local Resources
Calvert County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: registers.maryland.gov
- Probate Forms: Maryland Register of Wills Forms
- Fee Schedule: Probate Fee Schedule
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Maryland State Bar Association: (410) 685-7878 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Maryland Legal Aid: (410) 951-7777 — Civil legal services for low-income residents
- Calvert County Bar Association: Local attorney directory
Publication
- Calvert Recorder: (301) 645-9480 — Legal Notices
- Calvert County Times: (301) 373-4125 — Legal Notices