Whether a person leaves a will or not, after his/her death there are complex matters that need to be handled. Some of the matters involve the property and financial affairs of the person who died (decedent), such as changing title to property and completing tax forms. After someone's death, probate of his/her will and administration of his/her estate does not automatically occur. Someone must start the probate procedure. Important legal rights may be lost if an estate is not properly administered.

In the State of Maryland, there is a Register of Wills who handles probate in each county. The Register of Wills is the Chief Clerk of the Orphans' Court. The Register of Wills is not authorized to give legal advice.

In Baltimore City as well as each Maryland county, except Harford and Montgomery, there are three judges who sit on the Orphans' Court. In Harford and Montgomery counties judges from the circuit court sit as judges on the Orphans' Court.

In the State of Maryland the Orphans' Court validates wills, handles estate administration, and hears disputes related to inheritance. Additionally, the Orphans' Court together with the circuit courts has authority to appoint guardians for persons and to protect estates inherited by minors who are still under parental authority.

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