Authority: Re-Elect Allyn Price Nickle, Register of Wills. Robert Nickle, jr Treasurer

About Our Services

The Offices of the Registers Of Wills are committed to giving our constituents the best service possible. Every effort is made to provide accurate information and assistance regarding matters that are important to you. Please be advised, however, that we are prohibited by law from rendering legal advice.

We have published a website in an attempt to carry on our tradition of courteous, professional and efficient service. The information you will find there is intended to assist you by providing some basic information relating to estates and the functions of our offices. Please be sure to check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and our Publications Section for general information, sample guides and informative brochures. Visit www.registers.maryland.gov

Recent Reforms to Probate - Overview

Increased funeral allowance for small estates from $5,000 to $15,000
Increased funeral allowance for all estates from $10,000 to $15,000
Increased family allowance from $5,000/$2,500 to $10,000/$5,000
Raised the eligibility of small estates from $30,000 to $50,000
Accepting payments by credit/debit card instead of check/cash
Website features include estate search tool and fill-able forms
Implemented Paper Reduction Initiative, decreasing papers by almost 90%
Can now obtain copies instantly online
All estate notices are available online at no cost

IN PROCESS: Eliminating most nominal bonds, eliminating print paper publication requirement, eliminating small estate fees, Efiling

Role of register Nickle

Established under the MD Constitution in 1776, the Register of Wills has been serving the citizens of Maryland for over 200 years. Each Register is elected for four year term. This full-time position is under the judicial branch of government - the branch that interprets and applies laws passed by the legislature.

The purpose of the Register of Wills and the Orphans’ Court is to offer protection.
The office protects:
1) The decedent – that his or her last wishes will be carried out.
2) The heirs, legatees, and creditors – that they will receive what they are entitled to.
3) The State of Maryland – that the proper taxes and fees will be collected.

All states have a legal process in place for administering estates. In Maryland, that process is handled in the office of the Register of Wills. Every day I meet with grieving families to explain the small process in easy to understand terms and help them navigate the often-complicated legal process know as "probate". Among other functions, my duties include

appointment of Personal Representatives;
issuance of Letters of Administration;
assistance in obtaining court orders to enter a decedent's safe deposit box or to collect information regarding assets and debts;
reviewing the order of payment when there are insufficient assets to pay all of a decedent's debts;
explaining who will inherit when there is no will;
describing the process when there is a will;
answering questions about Inheritance taxes and fees; and
assistance in completing forms.