Trust & Estate Lawyer in Prince George’s County, MD
Prince George’s County estate planning and probate matters are governed by the Maryland Trust Act (Md. Code Est. & Trusts § 14.5-101) and the Estates & Trusts Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for wills, trusts, and estate administration. Our firm, founded in 1997, has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling complex fiduciary matters. By appointment only.
Maryland imposes a state estate tax on estates exceeding $5 million, separate from federal rules.
Maryland Trust & Estate Law
Trust and estate law in Maryland involves creating legal documents like wills and trusts to manage assets during life and after death, and administering estates through probate. Key statutes include the Maryland Trust Act (Md. Code Est. & Trusts § 14.5-101 et seq.) and the Maryland Estates & Trusts Article. The state also has an estate tax for estates over $5 million (Md. Code Est. & Trusts § 7-309).
Last verified: March 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Maryland General Assembly Statutes
Official Legal Resources
Estate Administration in Prince George’s County
Wills are probated through the Orphans’ Court, or the Register of Wills for small estates. A personal representative is appointed to manage the process. An inventory of assets must be filed within three months. A final accounting is required to close the estate. Trust administration follows the trust document and the Maryland Trust Act.
- File the original will and a petition for probate with the Prince George’s County Register of Wills or Orphans’ Court.
- The court appoints a personal representative (executor) to manage the estate.
- Within 3 months of appointment, file a detailed inventory of the estate’s assets with the court.
- Notify creditors, pay valid claims, and file any required Maryland and federal estate tax returns.
- Distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as outlined in the will or by law.
- Prepare and file a final accounting of all estate transactions with the court for approval before closing.
Potential Outcomes in Estate Matters
In Prince George’s County, breaches in estate and trust administration can lead to court intervention, surcharges against the fiduciary, and removal from their role.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Will Contest | Lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud | Estate frozen during litigation; costs paid from estate if unsuccessful. |
| Breach of Fiduciary Duty | Failure to act in estate’s best interest | Surcharge (personal financial liability); removal by the court. |
| Estate Tax Liability | Estate value exceeds $5 million | Maryland state estate tax due (rates up to 16%). |
| Missed Deadlines (Inventory, Accounting) | Statutory timeframes | Court sanctions; delays in distribution; personal representative liability. |
Results may vary. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Our Firm’s Background
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex trust and estate matters. Our approach is based on a deep understanding of Maryland fiduciary law and local Prince George’s County procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maryland estate tax exemption?
$5 million. Maryland imposes a state estate tax on estates exceeding $5 million (Md. Code Est. & Trusts § 7-309). This is separate from the federal exemption.
How long does probate take in Prince George’s County?
12-18 months is typical for a standard estate. Small estates under $50,000 may use an expedited process through the Register of Wills.
What is the role of the Orphans’ Court in Maryland?
It oversees probate proceedings, appoints personal representatives, and adjudicates will contests. For small estates, the Register of Wills handles administration.
What is a breach of fiduciary duty for an executor?
It occurs when an executor fails to act in the estate’s best interest. Consequences can include surcharge (personal financial liability) and removal by the court.
When is an inventory due in a Maryland probate case?
Within 3 months of the personal representative’s appointment. This document lists the estate’s assets and their values for the court.
Local Estate Law Services
Our Maryland location serves clients at Prince George’s County courts, accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 4. We are a trust and estate lawyer near Upper Marlboro, Bowie, and College Park.
We serve Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area
By appointment only.
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.