Overview
Prince George's County is located in Maryland with a population of approximately 967,000. The Orphans' Court for Prince George's County (supported by the 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 Maryland Estates and Trusts Article. 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 process if the property subject to administration is valued at $50,000 or less (or $100,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole heir).
Probate fees in Maryland are based on the value of the probate estate, ranging from $50 for very small estates to a maximum of $2,500 for estates over $5 million.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Prince George's 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 Prince George's County
Probate matters in Prince George's County are handled at the Prince George's County Courthouse.
Address: 14735 Main Street, Room D4001, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773
Phone: (301) 952-3250 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (by appointment only)
The Register of Wills office is located in the courthouse complex in Upper Marlboro. This office handles the administrative intake of all probate filings, while the Orphans' Court judges preside over contested matters and hearings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the courthouse, though spaces can fill up quickly. There is a parking garage located near the courthouse on Main Street. Security screening is required for entry into 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 may file a Small Estate Petition (Form RW1103) for a streamlined process.
- Non-Probate Assets: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts) or held in joint tenancy pass directly to owners and do not require probate.
- 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)
- Certified death certificate
- Schedule A (Approximate value of assets)
- Filing fee (based on estate value)
- List of Interested Persons (Form RW1104)
Note: The Prince George's County Register of Wills does not currently accept initial probate filings via e-filing; documents must be mailed or delivered in person.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested persons.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Prince George's County (e.g., Prince George's Post or The Enquirer-Gazette) once a week for three successive weeks. The Register of Wills often facilitates this publication upon opening the estate.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Most administrative probate matters do not require a hearing unless there is a dispute. If the petition is in order, the Register of Wills will issue Letters of Administration appointing the Personal Representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (claims must be filed within 6 months of death)
- File an Inventory of all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- File an Information Report within 3 months
- Pay valid debts and expenses
- File a First Administration Account within 9 months of appointment
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries after court approval
Local Requirements
Prince George's County-Specific Procedures
- Filings: Initial filings are typically done in person or by mail. The Register of Wills does not accept fax or email filings for opening estates.
- Bond: A nominal bond is usually required unless excused by the will or waived by all interested persons, but a bond of personal representative (Form RW1115) must still be filed.
- Publication: The Register of Wills office can assist with directing the Notice of Appointment to the approved newspapers (Prince George's Post or Enquirer-Gazette).
- Inheritance Tax: Maryland has an inheritance tax of 10% for collateral heirs (nieces, nephews, friends), though lineal descendants (children, grandchildren) and spouses are exempt.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current local protocols.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Prince George's County)
Fees are based on the value of the probate estate:
- Value under $10k: $50
- $10k - $20k: $100
- $20k - $50k: $150
- $50k - $75k: $200
- $75k - $100k: $300
- $100k - $250k: $400
- $250k - $500k: $500
- $500k - $750k: $750
- $750k - $1M: $1,000
- Over $1M: $1,000 + .02% of excess (max $2,500)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$100 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The Register of Wills accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Discover) with a service 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
Prince George's County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: Prince George's County Register of Wills
- Probate Forms: Maryland Register of Wills Forms
- Estate Search: Maryland Estate Search
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Prince George's County Bar Association: (301) 952-1442 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Maryland Legal Aid (Prince George's County Office): (301) 560-2100 — Low-income legal assistance
- Maryland State Bar Association: msba.org
Publication
- Prince George's Post: (301) 627-0900 — Newspaper of Record
- The Enquirer-Gazette: (301) 627-2833 — General Circulation