If you are named executor in a will, or if you are stepping in as personal representative for a family member who passed away without one, you will need to submit the correct paperwork to the local probate court. The Maryland probate court intake forms list for executors is basically the official checklist of documents you must file to get the estate opened and keep it moving forward. Without this list, you risk filing the wrong form, missing deadlines, or delaying the entire process. The list tells you exactly what the register of wills expects from you from day one.

What exactly is the Maryland probate court intake forms list?

It is a standard set of documents that the register of wills in your county requires when you open an estate. The forms vary slightly depending on whether the deceased left a valid will or died without a will (intestate). The list typically includes the petition for probate, the oath of the personal representative, and a notice of appointment. For executors who are named in the will, the intake list also covers the will itself and any codicils. The register of wills uses these forms to verify your legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

When does an executor need to use the intake forms list?

You will use it right at the start of the probate process. The list is your first step after the death of the person whose estate you are handling. You will need it before you can do anything else, such as notifying creditors, collecting assets, or distributing property. Many executors make the mistake of waiting too long to pull the intake forms, which can lead to missed filing deadlines and extra court fees. In Maryland, you generally have 30 days from the date of death to file the initial paperwork, so you should get the intake forms list as soon as possible.

What if the estate is small?

Even for small estates, you might still need a shortened version of the intake forms list. Maryland allows a simplified procedure for estates valued under a certain threshold. But you still need to file a specific set of intake forms with the register of wills. Do not assume that a small estate means no paperwork. It just means fewer forms.

Which forms are typically on the intake forms list?

The exact forms depend on the county and whether the estate has a will, but the intake list usually includes these core documents:

  • Petition for probate – the main request to open the estate
  • Oath of personal representative – your sworn promise to handle the estate honestly
  • Notice of appointment – a public notice that you are the executor
  • Will and any codicils – the original signed documents, if they exist
  • Death certificate – certified copy from the Maryland Department of Health
  • Intake fee worksheet – to calculate the filing fee based on estate value

Later in the process, you will also need to file the inventory and appraisement forms, but those come after the intake phase is complete.

How do I get the right intake forms for my situation?

The best place to start is the register of wills website for the county where the deceased lived. Each county has its own version of the intake forms list, though many follow the statewide standard. You can also visit the courthouse in person. Some counties offer fillable PDFs online, while others expect you to print blank forms and complete them by hand. If you are unsure which forms apply to your situation, ask the probate clerk directly. They can point you to the correct intake list for executors.

Should I use the same forms for an estate with a will and one without?

No. The intake forms list for estates without a will is different from the list for estates with a valid will. If there is no will, the petition for probate asks for different information, and you will not need to submit the original will. Make sure you are using the right list from the start.

What mistakes do executors make when filling out intake forms?

Common errors include:

  • Filing the wrong version of a form for the specific county
  • Forgetting to sign and notarize the oath of personal representative
  • Submitting a photocopy of the will instead of the original
  • Underestimating the estate value on the fee worksheet, which can cause problems later
  • Missing the deadline for filing the initial intake forms

Most of these mistakes are avoidable if you double-check the intake forms list before you go to the courthouse. The clerk will usually let you correct small errors, but major mistakes can delay the entire probate process by weeks.

How does the intake forms list connect to the rest of probate?

The intake forms are just the beginning. Once the court accepts your paperwork and appoints you as personal representative, you will need to move on to the next steps: publishing a notice to creditors, gathering a full inventory of assets, and eventually filing an accounting. The intake forms list does not cover those later steps, but it lays the foundation. For a complete overview of everything you will need, look at the full set of estate settlement documents and personal representative duties that follow the intake phase.

Practical next steps for executors

Here is what you can do right now to stay on track:

  • Find out which Maryland county the deceased lived in and go to that register of wills website
  • Download or request the official intake forms list for executors
  • Gather the original will, death certificate, and your own identification
  • Read through each form before you fill anything out
  • Ask the probate clerk if you have any doubt about which forms apply
  • File the completed intake forms within 30 days of death

Once the intake forms are accepted, keep a copy of the list handy. You will need to refer to it when you prepare the inventory and other required documents. Following the intake list exactly is the simplest way to avoid surprises and keep the estate moving toward closing.