The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for Maryland with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
When the clock starts in Maryland
The single fact that governs every other date on this page: in Maryland the creditor-claim period runs from the date of death — unless the personal representative mails a notice, which substitutes a shorter two-month clock.
This is not the same in every state. Some states run the period from the date of death, others from the date letters are issued to the personal representative, others from first publication of the notice to creditors. A deadline calculated from the wrong event is simply wrong, and a missed claim deadline is not curable.
Maryland deadlines at a glance
| Deadline | Maryland | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | Three months after the appointment of the personal representative, subject to §7-205. Each item is listed in reasonably descriptive detail with its fair market value as of the date of death and the type and amount of any encumbrance. | Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §7-201(a) |
| Creditor claim period | The earlier of six months after the date of death, or two months after the personal representative mails or delivers the creditor a notice in the form required by §7-103. Maryland's mailed notice shortens the period rather than extending it: a creditor notified in month one is barred at month three, while a creditor notified in month five is still barred at month six, because the six-month death clock is the outer limit either way. | Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §8-103(a) |
| Outer claim bar | Six months after the date of death is itself the outer bar; there is no longer alternative period. Particular claim types run separately: a claim based on the conduct of, or a contract with, the personal representative is barred unless an action is commenced within six months after the claim arose (§8-103©); a Maryland Department of Health Medical Assistance recovery claim runs from publication of notice of the first appointment rather than from death (§8-103(f)); a claim for slander arising before death is barred even where the decedent was served before dying (§8-103(b)); and the section does not affect enforcement of a mortgage, pledge, judgment, lien or security interest on estate property, or an action for injury or property damage against a decedent who had already been served with process before death (§8-103(d), (e)). | Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §8-103(a)–(f) |
| Closing / final distribution | No single closing deadline. Accounts are rendered on a rolling schedule: the first within nine months from the date of appointment, then within six months after that account and every six months thereafter until the final account is filed, plus on termination of the appointment and at any other time the court orders. | Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §7-305(a) |
The inventory deadline, as written
Subject to the provisions of § 7–205 of this subtitle, and within 3 months after the appointment of a personal representative, the personal representative shall prepare and file an inventory of property owned by the decedent at the time of the death of the decedent, listing each item in reasonably descriptive detail, and indicating its fair market value as of the date of the death of the decedent, and the type and amount of any encumbrance that may exist with reference to the item.
— Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §7-201(a)
The creditor-claim period, as written
a claim against an estate of a decedent, whether due or to become due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, founded on contract, tort, or other legal basis, is forever barred against the estate, the personal representative, and the heirs and legatees, unless presented within the earlier of the following dates: (1) 6 months after the date of the decedent's death; or (2) 2 months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of a notice in the form required by § 7–103 of this article or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within 2 months after the mailing or other delivery of the notice.
— Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §8-103(a)
What this page does not state
Where a figure is not recorded above, it is because it was not found in the statute cited — not because no deadline exists. Court rules, local rules, and standing orders set additional dates that are not part of the statutory text, and those are not reproduced here. Confirm every date against the Maryland court handling the estate.
Sources
- Statutes: Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §7-201(a); Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §8-103(a); Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §8-103(a)–(f); Md. Code, Est. & Trusts §7-305(a)
- Authority: Maryland General Assembly, Md. Code Ann., Estates and Trusts (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Source URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=get&section=8-103
- Verified: 2026-08-17
Related Maryland guides
- How Long Does Probate Take in Maryland? — the overall timeline these deadlines sit inside.
- How much does probate cost in Maryland? — the cost side.
- How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Maryland? — compensation for the work.
- Maryland Probate Fee Sheet — printable one-page reference.
- Executor Duties: The Complete Checklist — what the role involves.
Executor deadlines in other states
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This page reproduces Maryland statutory deadlines as published at the time of verification. It is not legal advice. Statutes are amended, court rules impose additional dates, and application depends on the specific estate. Confirm every date with the Maryland court or a licensed Maryland attorney.