Trust & Estate Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, MD
Maryland Trust & Estate Law
Maryland estate planning and probate law is defined by the Maryland Estates & Trusts Article and the Maryland Trust Act. These statutes establish rules for creating valid wills, administering trusts, and distributing assets after death. The state imposes an estate tax on estates valued over $5 million (Md. Code Est. & Trusts § 7-309), separate from federal tax rules.
Last verified: March 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Maryland General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm’s experience includes handling complex estate matters across Maryland.
Official Legal Resources
St. Mary’s County Estate Procedures
Wills are probated through the Orphans’ Court or Register of Wills for small estates. A personal representative is appointed to manage the estate, file an inventory within three months, and complete a final accounting. Trust administration follows the trust document and the Maryland Trust Act.
- File the original will and a petition for probate with the St. Mary’s County Register of Wills office.
- The court appoints a personal representative (executor) to administer the estate.
- The personal representative must file an inventory of estate assets within three months of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors and pay valid claims against the estate.
- Prepare a final accounting for court approval, then distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Penalties and Consequences
In St. Mary’s County, failure to properly administer an estate or trust can lead to personal liability, removal as fiduciary, and surcharges for breaches of duty.
| Issue | Classification | Legal Impact | Financial Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breach of Fiduciary Duty | Civil Violation | Removal as Personal Representative | Surcharge (monetary damages) |
| Will Contest | Estate Litigation | Estate Distribution Frozen | Attorney fees and court costs |
| Failure to File Estate Tax Return | Tax Penalty | Interest and Penalties Accrue | Percentage of tax due + fines |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Probate filing fees are based on estate value. Register of Wills fees vary by county. Personal representative commissions are set by statute. Attorney fees are typically hourly or a percentage of the estate.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our firm’s experience includes estate planning, probate administration, and trust litigation matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Rockville location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts. We are a trust and estate lawyer near Leonardtown and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station area.
We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
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)
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maryland estate tax exemption amount?
$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 St. Mary’s County?
12-18 months is typical. The timeline varies based on estate complexity, creditor claims, and potential will contests. Small estates under $50,000 may use an expedited process.
What is the role of the Register of Wills in Maryland?
The Register of Wills oversees probate, appoints personal representatives, and collects filing fees. For small estates, the Register’s office handles administration without full Orphans’ Court proceedings.
Can a will be contested in Maryland?
Yes. Grounds include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. A contest freezes estate distribution and can extend probate by 6-18 months.
What are the fiduciary duties of a personal representative?
A personal representative must act in good faith, manage estate assets prudently, avoid conflicts of interest, and provide an accounting. Breach can lead to surcharge and removal.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.