Maryland · Probate administration

Maryland Probate Creditor Deadlines and Small-Estate Rules

Maryland creditor claims are forever barred unless presented by the earlier of six months after the decedent's death or two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers the statutory published notice or other written notice stating that the claim will be barred unless presented within two months.

3 rules checked against governing sourcesSources checked through Jul 3, 2026Inspect the coverage gate

Answer first, sources attached

Three administration rules to check first

Creditor timing, notice procedure, and simplified-estate eligibility are state-specific. These source-linked rules are a starting point for the administration plan.

Claims deadline

Creditor claim period

Maryland creditor claims are forever barred unless presented by the earlier of six months after the decedent's death or two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers the statutory published notice or other written notice stating that the claim will be barred unless presented within two months.

Md. Code, Estates & Trusts §§ 8-103, 7-103.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Procedure threshold

Small-estate procedure

Maryland small estate administration applies when property subject to administration in Maryland is valued at $50,000 or less as of death. If the surviving spouse is the sole legatee or heir, the small-estate ceiling is $100,000. Value is fair market value less debts of record secured by the property, to the extent insurance is not payable to the secured creditor.

Md. Code, Estates & Trusts § 5-601.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Publication and service

Notice to creditors

After appointment of a Maryland personal representative, the register publishes notice of appointment in a newspaper of general circulation in the county of appointment once a week for three successive weeks, announcing the appointment and address of the personal representative and notifying creditors to present claims. The personal representative files or causes to be filed a certification that notice has been published.

Md. Code, Estates & Trusts § 7-103.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Date and type of appointmentLetters, qualification, and the form of administration can change the trigger.
  • Known versus unknown creditorsPublication and direct notice may create different duties and deadlines.
  • Property included in the thresholdExempt property, real estate, and nonprobate assets may be treated differently.
  • Local court procedureForms, publication practice, hearing calendars, and closing requirements can be county-specific.

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This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.