Howard County, Maryland Probate Attorney
Howard County families often have estates that involve multiple properties, business interests, retirement accounts, and complex family structures. The Law Office of Maxwell White brings the experience and attention to detail those estates require. From the first call through final distribution, we guide personal representatives, surviving spouses, and beneficiaries through Maryland probate with clear communication and professional care.
A short phone call with our team, no obligation. We will review your situation, answer questions, and outline your options.
Probate from anywhere in the country.
Many personal representatives are settling an estate from out of state. We can handle the entire process remotely with video meetings, electronic signatures, secure document sharing, and direct filings with the Howard County Register of Wills. You never need to set foot in Maryland.
Video meetings
Initial consultations and ongoing strategy calls happen by Zoom or Google Meet. Same conversation, no commute.
Electronic signatures
Most probate documents can be signed electronically via secure platforms. We coordinate notarization remotely where required.
Direct filings
We file inventories, accountings, and petitions with the Register of Wills on your behalf. You receive copies and confirmation digitally.
I had an exceptional experience working with Attorney Maxwell White. As someone who lives out of state, I needed a reliable and proactive attorney in Maryland to help resolve a complicated family trust disbursement issue. He handled the trust dispute with professionalism and efficiency, bringing clarity and resolution to a long-standing issue.Trust client (out-of-state) · Apr 2025
From my initial meeting to document signing, every step was explained in detail and every question was answered in a way I understood and allowed me to make informed and important decisions about my financial future and that of my family.
Madison Hall was very professional and made the process understandable. She was patient with us…
Maxwell and his entire staff were always cooperative and helpful throughout the process and their friendly manner and support was most appreciated.
Maxwell White, Esq.
I founded the Law Office of Maxwell White to give Maryland families a clearer, calmer path through estate planning and probate. I work directly with every client, by video or in person, and stay involved from the first call through the final court filing.
University of Maryland School of Law · Maryland Bar & Maryland State Bar Association · WealthCounsel member · Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2025/2026
Where things happen.
Howard County
9250 Judicial Way, Suite 1100, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
(410) 313-2133
Frederick (241 E. 4th Street, Suite 206)
Our Frederick office is within a 30–45 minute drive of the Howard County Register of Wills in Ellicott City.
In the first days, the question is what to do next, not yet what an attorney can help with. See our free one-page guide for Maryland families: Your First Steps After a Loved One’s Passing.
PR Commission Calculator
Maryland law sets a statutory scale for personal representative commissions. Estimate it below.
Maryland PR Commission Calculator
Per Maryland Estates & Trusts § 7-601
Estimate only. The Orphans’ Court has discretion to approve a different amount; certain estates allow for a larger commission if specified in the will.
A steady hand through Maryland probate.
Personal representatives in Howard County have a real job to do under Maryland law. We make every part of it easier.
Support
Probate in Maryland involves court filings, statutory deadlines, creditor notices, inventories, accountings, and final distributions. We handle the legal procedures so you can focus on your family.
Compassion
Every case begins with a loss. We never lose sight of that. Our clients consistently tell us they appreciated being treated with patience and understanding through what is often the hardest time in their lives.
Objectivity
Sound decisions require clear thinking, and clear thinking is hard when you’re grieving. We provide the objective legal advice and structured guidance that helps families avoid mistakes they’d regret later.
Efficiency
Probate can drag on. We work to keep cases moving (meeting filing deadlines, responding to the Register’s office promptly, pushing matters forward) so estates close as quickly as Maryland law allows.
Attention to detail
Probate involves a great deal of paperwork, much of it filed with the Orphans’ Court. A missed signature, wrong figure on an inventory, or a late accounting can mean delays, costs, or personal liability for the personal representative. We catch the details.
Howard County probate, answered.
My loved one had assets in multiple states. Where does probate happen?
Probate is typically opened in the state where the decedent was domiciled at death. If your loved one lived in Howard County, Maryland probate is the primary proceeding. If they also owned real property in another state, a ‘ancillary’ probate may be needed in that state as well. We coordinate with out-of-state counsel when needed.
Does Maryland have an estate tax?
Yes. Maryland is one of a small number of states with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax. The Maryland estate tax applies to estates above a threshold ($5 million for deaths in 2026). The inheritance tax applies to bequests to anyone other than a close relative, at a 10% rate. We help estates plan around and properly report these taxes.
How are personal representative commissions calculated in Maryland?
Personal representatives are entitled to a commission set by statute, generally up to 9% on the first $20,000 of the estate, plus up to 3.6% on the balance, subject to court approval. We publish a free commission calculator for quick estimates.
What if I think the will isn’t valid?
Maryland recognizes several grounds for contesting a will, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, and improper execution. Will contests have strict deadlines and require specialized handling. We represent both petitioners and personal representatives in contested matters.
Talk to a Maryland probate attorney.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one in Howard County, or you’ve been named personal representative, we can help. Initial consultations are free.
A short phone call with our team, no obligation. We will review your situation, answer questions, and outline your options.
The Law Office of Maxwell White serves clients across Maryland from our office at 241 E. 4th Street, Suite 206, Frederick, MD 21701. Licensed to practice in the State of Maryland. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; testimonials are real and unsolicited from former clients.