Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Maryland

Under the circumstances it may be more cost effective to handle this yourself, although you may find consulting an attorney and/or limited representation helpful to guide you through the process. Maryland offers a streamlined process for small estates. If there is no will, family members have priority to serve as "Personal Representative" (other states often call this role "Executor" or "Administrator"). Whomever seeks appointment will start with filing a Petition (you should also provide a certified death certificate and the original will if one exists). You may need to post nominal bond. You will then need to give notice to heirs and publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper.

Once appointed, the court will give "Letters of Administration" which grant authority to manage an estate. This includes opening an estate bank account, selling / transferring assets and paying creditors. However, the personal representative cannot distribute assets (however modest) as they see fit -- the law has a specific priority for disbursing assets.

While not legal advice, I hope that this helps answer your question.