Out-of-State Executors Guide to Maryland
Out-of-State Executors Guide to Maryland
Legal Support for Executors and Personal Representatives Who Live Outside Maryland
Being named as the personal representative (executor) of a Maryland estate is a significant responsibility—made even more challenging if you live in another state. From court filings to real estate management, the duties of an out-of-state executor can quickly become overwhelming without trusted local support.

At Eleff Law, we assist non-resident executors and administrators with all aspects of
Maryland probate and estate administration. Whether you're an adult child handling a parent’s estate, a sibling managing property from across the country, or a named executor living out of state, we provide the clear, experienced guidance you need.
Can You Be an Executor in Maryland if You Don’t Live Here?
Yes—but Maryland law has specific rules. Out-of-state executors can serve, but:
- You
must be related by blood, marriage, or adoption to the decedent, or
- You must
appoint a Maryland resident as your agent for service of process
Additionally, you must understand and comply with all Maryland probate procedures and deadlines—many of which differ from those in your home state.
We help you meet these requirements while minimizing travel, paperwork errors, and legal risk. With Eleff Law as your local counsel,
you remain in control, but not alone.
What the Maryland Executor Role Involves
As the personal representative of a Maryland estate, your legal responsibilities include:
- Filing the will (if one exists) and petitioning the court to open probate
- Locating, securing, and inventorying assets—including real estate, bank accounts, and personal property
- Publishing notice to creditors and responding to any claims
- Paying final debts, taxes, and administrative expenses
- Filing formal accountings with the Register of Wills
- Distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries under the will or state law
- Closing the estate with proper documentation and court approval
These duties must be performed in compliance with Maryland’s Estates and Trusts Article, probate rules, tax codes, and court procedures—some of which differ significantly from other states.
Common Challenges for Out-of-State Executors
Out-of-state personal representatives face unique complications, such as:
- Accessing real property or safe deposit boxes without physical presence
- Navigating unfamiliar court rules and forms from a distance
- Coordinating with local appraisers, brokers, or contractors for property management or liquidation
- Handling emotional or logistical issues among local heirs or siblings
- Completing Maryland estate, inheritance, and income tax filings without a tax preparer familiar with local rules
- Shipping or securing valuable personal items that require in-person handling
- Monitoring deadlines and court requirements without automated reminders or local notices
Without local legal counsel, executors may inadvertently delay the estate, overlook mandatory filings, or expose themselves to personal liability.
How Eleff Law Supports Non-Resident Executors
Attorney Susan Eleff provides comprehensive legal support to executors who live outside Maryland, including:
- Handling all court filings and correspondence
with the Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court
- Preparing and submitting inventories and accountings required by law
- Serving as your in-state agent to meet legal requirements
- Coordinating property access, valuation, repairs, or sale through vetted local professionals
- Advising on estate tax and inheritance tax planning, including use of exemptions and deductions
- Managing communication with heirs and beneficiaries, reducing misunderstandings and conflict
- Providing secure, remote access to documents, timelines, and updates
We act as your trusted partner on the ground—ensuring every legal step is handled properly, and that your role as executor is both effective and manageable.
Real Property & Multistate Considerations
Many out-of-state executors must deal with real estate located in Maryland—often in Bethesda, Silver Spring, or Frederick. We help with:
- Access, appraisal, and maintenance of residential or commercial properties
- Preparation and execution of sales agreements
- Navigating homeowners associations, property tax assessments, or tenant issues
- Managing title transfers and estate deeds
If the decedent owned property in multiple states, we coordinate ancillary probate or help structure trust-based plans to minimize future cross-jurisdiction complications.
Maryland Estate & Inheritance Tax Concerns
Maryland is one of the few states that imposes both:
- Estate tax on estates exceeding ~$5 million (subject to changes)
- Inheritance tax of 10% on transfers to non-lineal heirs (e.g., nieces, nephews, friends)
These taxes can catch out-of-state executors off guard. We ensure you:
- Understand what’s owed and to whom
- Avoid overpayments or penalties
- Leverage available deductions, elections, and extensions
- Coordinate with accountants or tax professionals in your home state as needed
Who We Commonly Assist
We represent out-of-state executors and administrators from across the U.S., including:
- Adult children managing a Maryland parent’s estate
- Siblings, nieces, or nephews handling extended family affairs
- Professionals or trustees fulfilling legal or fiduciary obligations
- Family members named in wills who had no prior probate experience
Our clients often live in Florida, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, Texas, and beyond. No matter where you are, we make Maryland estate administration possible—without the stress, flights, or guesswork.
Make Out-of-State Probate Simpler with Local Counsel You Can Trust
You don’t need to be in Maryland to settle a Maryland estate—but you do need a team that knows the local law, courts, and expectations. With Eleff Law, you’ll gain a dependable partner to guide you from start to finish—so nothing falls through the cracks.
Offices in Bethesda • Silver Spring • Frederick
Schedule a consultation with Attorney Susan Eleff for reliable, remote-friendly probate support across Maryland.