Maryland is one of the few states that still imposes both a state estate tax (with a $5 million exemption that is not indexed for inflation) and a separate inheritance tax (10% on most non-spouse, non-direct-descendant transfers). For Baltimore families with a paid-off rowhome, a 401(k), and a small business, those two layers can quietly push the estate into a meaningful tax bill. A real Baltimore estate plan starts with the right will, healthcare directives, and a Maryland statutory power of attorney — and adds revocable or irrevocable trusts only when they earn their cost. Below: 2 vetted Baltimore firms plus respected outside options. All offer a free first call.
If you are an adult in Maryland and you own anything — a car, a bank account, a rowhome, a 401(k), a Roth IRA, a small business, life insurance — you should have a basic estate plan. Without one, the Maryland intestacy statute decides who inherits, which is rarely what you would have chosen. Talk to a Baltimore estate planning lawyer if any of the following is true:
For most Baltimore families, the standard package is: pour-over will, revocable living trust, Maryland statutory durable power of attorney, advance directive (living will + healthcare proxy), and HIPAA release. The right Baltimore lawyer will tell you at the free consult whether you need the trust at all — many couples with straightforward facts and beneficiary-designated retirement accounts do not.
Most Baltimore estate planning firms quote flat fees for standard plans, with hourly billing for amendments, business succession work, and litigation. The honest firms will tell you at the free consult exactly what is included — funding (re-titling assets into the trust) is often a separate line item that doubles the value of the plan if done correctly.
Two separate tax systems can apply to a Maryland decedent. Most people only hear about the first.
Maryland probate is run by the Register of Wills for each county. The Register of Wills for Baltimore City sits at 111 N. Calvert Street; Baltimore County's Register is in Towson. The Orphans' Court hears contested matters. Most uncontested Maryland estates close in 9 to 12 months. Contested estates — will challenges, fiduciary disputes, undue influence claims — routinely take 2 to 4 years. Maryland uses a percentage-based personal representative fee (roughly 9% of the first $20,000 and 3.6% of the balance) unless reduced by the will.
Baltimore-area firm with the unusual combination of attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Financial Planners in-house. Particularly strong on tax-driven estate planning, business succession, and Maryland inheritance tax mitigation. BBB A+. Right pick when your estate is near or above the $5M Maryland threshold.
Boutique Baltimore practice handling immigration, family, and estate planning — often for first-generation Maryland families whose plans need to coordinate across countries. Flat-fee structure for standard wills, trusts, and Maryland advance directives. Languages: English, Spanish, Farsi.
These are independent Baltimore-area estate planning firms not currently profiled on LawFirmSquare. Cross-check on Super Lawyers, Justia, and Maryland State Bar before retaining.
Tell us briefly what you want your estate plan to do. We route a confidential request to the best-fit Baltimore firm in this directory.