Executor Duties in Maryland

After appointment, the Register of Wills publishes notice of the appointment once a week for 3 weeks, and the personal representative files a certification of publication. Within 3 months after appointment, the personal representative must file an inventory of the decedent's property at fair market value as of the date of death. Creditors' claims are barred unless presented by the earlier of 6 months after death or 2 months after written notice to the creditor. Accounts are due within 9 months after appointment and every 6 months after that until the final account, unless the court extends the time.

Estates are opened with the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent lived, by filing a petition for administration (small or regular estate) with the death certificate, the original will, and other required papers. Maryland issues 'Letters of Administration' in a statutory form signed by the Register of Wills under seal, stating that administration has been granted to the personal representative. A personal representative must post a bond with approved sureties unless the will or all interested persons excuse it; even then, a bond sufficient to cover debts and Maryland inheritance taxes is required. A regular estate requires a nominal bond or a personal representative bond plus newspaper publication.

A claim against the estate is barred unless presented by the earlier of (1) 6 months after the date of death, or (2) 2 months after the personal representative mails or delivers written notice to the creditor stating the claim will be barred unless presented within 2 months.