How Long Does Probate Take in Maryland?

In Maryland, a personal representative must file an inventory within 3 months of appointment and a First Account within 9 months. Creditors have until the earlier of 6 months after death or 2 months after being notified to file a claim. In practice, most regular estates take 9 to 18 months to fully close, though a house inside the estate can often be marketed, and even sold, well before then.

This page explains how long Maryland probate generally takes and the deadlines that drive that timeline. It is general information, not legal advice, and every estate is different. Confirm your specific timeline and requirements with the Register of Wills or a licensed Maryland attorney.

The Deadlines That Actually Set the Timeline

Maryland probate is not open-ended. Specific deadlines drive how long an estate realistically takes:

Inventory: due within 3 months of the personal representative's appointment.
First Account: due within 9 months of appointment, covering everything that happened financially in the estate so far, including any property sale.
Creditor claims: barred after the earlier of 6 months from the date of death, or 2 months after the personal representative formally notifies a known creditor, whichever comes first.

If the First Account is filed as final, the estate can close close to the 9-month mark. If it is not, common when a house has not sold yet or other matters are open, the estate stays open through subsequent accounts.

Figures verified September 2026 against Md. Code, Estates and Trusts §8-103, and the Maryland Register of Wills.

So How Long Does It Actually Take?

Most regular Maryland estates take 9 to 18 months start to finish. Straightforward estates, cooperative heirs, no property disputes, a First Account filed as final, tend to land at the shorter end. Estates with a house that takes time to sell, multiple heirs who need to agree, or open creditor claims tend to run longer.

Small Estates Move Faster

An estate qualifies as small if assets subject to administration are $50,000 or less, or $100,000 or less if a spouse is the sole heir. Small estates use a simpler Petition for Probate and skip the formal Inventory and First Account process, so they generally close faster, often in months rather than the 9 to 18 months typical of a regular estate. As of October 2022, small estates in the $50,000 to $100,000 spousal range pay no probate fee.

Modified Administration: A Faster Option for Qualifying Estates

If an estate's heirs are limited to the personal representative, individuals or entities exempt from Maryland inheritance tax, or certain qualifying trusts, and the estate is solvent, the personal representative can elect Modified Administration within 3 months of appointment. It replaces the Inventory and First Account with a single Final Report and must be completed within 12 months. Not every estate qualifies, but where it applies, it is the fastest formal path through probate.

Can You Sell the House Before Probate Closes?

Yes, in most cases. Once appointed, a personal representative has authority to petition to sell estate property, including a house, and marketing can begin. What usually cannot happen is closing the sale before open creditor claims are resolved; a buyer's title company checks for them, and an unresolved claim can hold up settlement. In practice, the house can often be listed and even go under contract well before the estate itself is finished, but closing still depends on where the creditor claims period stands.

Timeline at a Glance

Milestone	Deadline
Inventory filed	Within 3 months of appointment
First Account filed	Within 9 months of appointment
Creditor claims barred	Earlier of 6 months after death, or 2 months after notice
Modified Administration elected (if eligible)	Within 3 months of appointment
Modified Administration completed (if eligible)	Within 12 months of appointment
Typical regular estate closes	9 to 18 months (commonly reported)

Where Baltimore County Probate Is Filed

Baltimore County probate matters go through the Register of Wills at 401 Bosley Avenue, Room 500, Towson, MD 21204, 410-887-6680. These timelines are set by Maryland state law and apply the same way regardless of which county's Register of Wills is handling the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does probate take in Maryland?

Most regular estates take 9 to 18 months, driven by the 3-month inventory deadline, the 9-month First Account deadline, and the creditor claims period. Small estates and estates that qualify for Modified Administration can close faster.

What is the fastest way to close a Maryland estate?

Modified Administration is the fastest formal option where it applies, completing in as little as 12 months with a single Final Report instead of an Inventory and First Account. It is only available when the heirs are limited to the personal representative, inheritance-tax-exempt individuals, or qualifying trusts.

Can I sell an inherited house before probate is finished?

Often, yes. A personal representative can petition to sell and begin marketing the house once appointed. The sale typically cannot close, though, until open creditor claims are resolved.

What counts as a small estate in Maryland?

An estate with assets subject to administration of $50,000 or less, or $100,000 or less if a spouse is the sole heir. Small estates use a simpler process and generally close faster than regular estates.

Does hiring an attorney change the timeline?

Not the statutory deadlines themselves; those apply regardless of who handles the estate. An attorney can help you avoid delays from paperwork errors, missed deadlines, or disputes among heirs, any of which commonly push an estate past the typical 9 to 18 month range.

Questions about how this applies to your specific property or estate? See our full Disclaimer, or call 410-862-4130 to talk through the property side of an inherited house sale in Baltimore County.

Sources

Figures verified September 2026.