Maryland Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Maryland, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Maryland guide.
- Will
- Maryland will requirements: you must be 18 and legally competent, sign a written will before two credible witnesses, plus holographic and revocation rules. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a Maryland revocable living trust works under the Maryland Trust Act: creating and funding it, and the pour-over will that catches what you miss. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Maryland power of attorney basics: durable by default, the two-witness-plus-notary signing rule, hot powers you must initial, and how it ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How a Maryland advance directive works: name a health care agent, set living-will wishes, sign before two witnesses, plus the surrogate list and MOLST. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Maryland requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Maryland estate planning guides
Maryland Estate Planning Basics
Maryland estate planning basics: the will, power of attorney, advance directive, and living trust adults need, plus the dual estate and inheritance tax.
Maryland Will Requirements
Maryland will requirements: you must be 18 and legally competent, sign a written will before two credible witnesses, plus holographic and revocation rules.
Maryland Power of Attorney
Maryland power of attorney basics: durable by default, the two-witness-plus-notary signing rule, hot powers you must initial, and how it ends at death.
Maryland Advance Directive
How a Maryland advance directive works: name a health care agent, set living-will wishes, sign before two witnesses, plus the surrogate list and MOLST.
Maryland Guardianship Planning
A Maryland guardianship plan starts with a durable power of attorney and advance directive. See how guardianship of a minor or disabled adult works.
Maryland Revocable Living Trust
How a Maryland revocable living trust works under the Maryland Trust Act: creating and funding it, and the pour-over will that catches what you miss.
Maryland Trust Administration
How a successor trustee settles a Maryland revocable living trust after the settlor dies under the Maryland Trust Act (Est. & Trusts Title 14.5).
Maryland Pet Trusts
How a Maryland pet trust works under Est. & Trusts 14.5-407: name a caregiver and a trust enforcer, fund an animal-care trust, and set the remainder.
Maryland Digital Assets Planning
How Maryland's RUFADAA (Est. & Trusts Title 15, Subtitle 6) controls access to a deceased person's digital accounts: online tools, wills, POAs, and crypto.
Not sure what you need in Maryland?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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