How to Close a Small Estate of Probate in Maryland

Under Maryland law, Estates & Trusts, the approved Information Report, as submitted to the Register of Wills, typically closes the small estate. If there are any creditors who filed with the Register of Wills any unpaid valid claims could cause the small estate to remain open. The Register of Wills should provide a schedule of payment indicating which creditors receive priority in payment.

When a small estate is designated as closed this does not terminate the appointment of the Personal Representative. While the county or state will declare the account closed, the Register of Wills is doing so only because they have everything they need from the Personal Representative and not because the duties of the PR are complete.

Often additional accounts or assets have not been distributed or are discovered after the closing of a small estate. If this happens Maryland law, Estates & Trusts, allows the personal representative to continue to perform their duty to distribute the assets of the estate. If it is simply a matter of making a distribution of assets from the estate the law provides that the Personal Representative can perform this duty pursuant to Maryland Rule 6-421. If it a circumstance where the assets were not reported during probate but were later discovered, it will become necessary to reopen and seek reappointment before distribution the assets. The reason for this is clear: the assets must be reported and made part of the estate before distribution.

For a free, confidential conversation to discuss this and other estate administration matters, including probate administration legal services, contact Maryland probate administration lawyer Stephen J. Reichert at 410-299-4959, sreichert@reichertlegal.com or by clicking here.

Mr. Reichert can administer probate on behalf of the Maryland estate or for a modest fee he can be of assistance to the Personal Representative, as assistance is needed. For example, he can be available to give the correct legal answer and review or prepare probate filings before they are submitted to the county or city.

Day, evening and weekend appointments are available in office or at your residence. Mr. Reichert personally serves clients throughout the entire state of Maryland.

Attorney Reichert looks forward to assisting you with your Maryland probate needs.

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