Maryland Probate Update

A couple of changes have been made to the laws governing Maryland "small probate estates" which took effect on October 1, 2012:

1. The small estate threshold is increased from $50,000 or less to $100,000 or less if the decedent's surviving spouse is the sole legatee or heir.


2. For all other legatees or heirs, the small estate threshold is increased from $30,000 or less to $50,000 or less.


3. The maximum allowance for funeral expenses for a small estate is increased from $5,000 to $10,000.


4. Funeral expenses are defined as the costs of a funeral, a burial, a cremation, a disposition of the decedent's remains, a memorial, a memorial service, food and beverages related to bringing together the decedent's family and friends for a wake or prefuneral or postfuneral gathering or meal, and any other reasonable expenses authorized by the decedent's will."

• "Small" Estates Get Bigger for Maryland Probate
• Funeral-Expense Allowance Increased for Small Estates in Maryland
• What is Probate?
• When is Probate Necessary?
• How Much Does Probate Cost?
• Overview of the Probate Process
• 4 Ways to Avoid Probate