Trust & Estate Lawyer in Montgomery County, MD
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced Trust & Estate representation in Montgomery County, Maryland. Estate planning and probate matters are governed by the Maryland Trust Act (Md. Code Est. & Trusts § 14.5-101 et seq.) and the Maryland Estates & Trusts Article. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers a case-specific approach to wills, trusts, and estate administration. By appointment only.
Maryland Trust & Estate Law
Maryland law provides a framework for estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Key statutes include the Maryland Trust Act and the Estates & Trusts Article, which outline the duties of personal representatives and trustees.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm focuses on providing full representation in estate matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland estate laws, visit the Maryland General Assembly statutes website (Md. Code Est. & Trusts). For local court procedures, refer to the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County Estate Procedures
In Montgomery County, wills are probated through the Register of Wills office or the Orphans’ Court for more complex estates. The personal representative must file an inventory of assets within three months of appointment.
- Consultation and Document Review: Gather all estate planning documents for attorney review.
- File for Probate: Submit the will and petition to the Montgomery County Register of Wills.
- Inventory Assets: Identify, secure, and value all estate assets; file inventory with the court.
- Notify Creditors: Publish notice and pay valid claims against the estate.
- File Tax Returns: Prepare and file any required Maryland estate or inheritance tax returns.
- Final Distribution: Prepare final accounting for court approval and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Trust & Estate Penalties and Consequences
In Montgomery County, failure to properly administer an estate or a breach of fiduciary duty can lead to surcharges, removal of the personal representative, and estate litigation that freezes assets.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Contest | Estate Litigation | Estate frozen during proceeding | Attorney fees, court costs |
| Breach of Fiduciary Duty | Surcharge Action | Removal, personal liability | Repayment of losses + penalties |
| Failure to File Tax Returns | Tax Penalty | Interest and penalties accruing | Percentage of tax due + fines |
| Intestacy (No Will) | Statutory Distribution | Assets distributed per Md. law | May not reflect decedent’s wishes |
Results may vary. Each estate matter depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our tagline reflects our approach: "Global advocacy. Local precision."
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented history of case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Estate Law Services
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We are a Trust & Estate lawyer near Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center.
We serve clients in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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)
By appointment only.
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
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 Montgomery County?
Typically 12-18 months. 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 office accepts wills for probate, appoints personal representatives, and collects filing fees. For small estates, they handle the process without full Orphans’ Court involvement.
Can a trust avoid probate in Maryland?
Yes. Assets properly titled in a revocable living trust generally avoid the probate process, allowing for private and potentially faster distribution to beneficiaries.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Maryland?
They die intestate. Maryland’s intestacy laws (Md. Code Est. & Trusts Article) determine asset distribution, typically to the surviving spouse and children, which may not reflect the deceased’s wishes.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Maryland Estate Lawyer hub page. We also assist with business law and civil litigation in Montgomery County. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.