Maryland law overview
Estate Planning in Upper Marlboro: What Prince George's County Families Need to Know
For many Prince George's County families, the family home is their largest and most valuable asset. A house purchased decades ago may now represent a substantial portion of a family's wealth. Estate planning is about protecting that investment and ensuring it passes according to your wishes. Without a plan, a home that took years to pay off may spend months in probate, creating unnecessary expense, delay, and uncertainty for those you leave behind.
Wills, Probate, and the Upper Marlboro Courthouse
Maryland does not recognize handwritten (holographic) wills. To be valid, a will must comply with the execution requirements set forth in Maryland law, including being signed by the person making the will and witnessed by at least two credible witnesses. Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to Maryland's intestacy statutes rather than your personal wishes, and the law—not you—determines who inherits your property.
Probate for Prince George's County residents is administered through the Register of Wills and the Orphans' Court in Upper Marlboro. Many uncontested estates remain open for approximately nine to twelve months, although more complex matters can take considerably longer. Administrative fees are based on the value of the estate and are established by Maryland law.
A Probate Court Structure Unlike Most Maryland Counties
Prince George's County has a probate court structure that differs from many other Maryland jurisdictions. The county has a separately elected Orphans' Court composed of three judges who are required to be licensed Maryland attorneys. Unlike some counties, a single Orphans' Court judge may hear certain matters without requiring the full three-judge panel. That structure can affect scheduling, hearings, and contested probate proceedings, making familiarity with the local court system particularly valuable.
The Risk of a Generic Power of Attorney
Estate planning is not only about what happens after death—it also protects you during your lifetime if you become unable to manage your own affairs. Many people rely on generic forms downloaded from the internet, assuming they will meet Maryland's legal requirements. Often they do not.
Maryland's statutory power of attorney law requires specific language to authorize important powers, including making gifts, managing business interests, and changing certain beneficiary designations. When those provisions are missing, banks and financial institutions may refuse to honor the document. A power of attorney that cannot be used during a medical emergency provides little protection when your family needs it most.
A New Option for Prince George's County Homeowners
Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland homeowners will have an important new estate planning tool. The Maryland Transfer-on-Death Deed Act (House Bill 738 / Senate Bill 651), signed into law on May 26, 2026, allows homeowners to designate a beneficiary directly on the deed to residential real property. The owner retains complete ownership and control during life and may revoke the designation at any time. Upon the owner's death, the property passes directly to the named beneficiary without going through probate.
A Transfer-on-Death Deed is not appropriate for every family and should not be viewed as a replacement for a comprehensive estate plan. However, for many Prince George's County homeowners, it may provide a simple and effective way to transfer a home while reducing probate costs and delays.
Estate Planning Is About More Than a Will
Estate planning is about far more than preparing a will. It involves protecting your home, minimizing taxes where possible, planning for incapacity, and ensuring your assets pass efficiently to the people you choose. With thoughtful planning today, your family can avoid unnecessary expense, delay, and uncertainty tomorrow.
Services
What we handle for Upper Marlboro clients
Wills & Last Testaments
Maryland's witness and execution rules are strict, and generic templates routinely miss them. We draft wills that hold up, and we make sure your wishes are documented in a way the Prince George's County Orphans' Court will honor.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable trust keeps real property and other assets out of probate entirely. It is worth considering if you own a home, have business interests, or have beneficiaries whose circumstances are complicated. We tell you honestly whether it makes sense for your situation.
Powers of Attorney
Maryland banks reject powers of attorney that lack the right statutory language. We draft financial and healthcare powers of attorney built to be accepted when your family actually needs them.
Estate & Probate Administration
For Prince George's County estates, everything runs through the Register of Wills in Upper Marlboro, with contested matters heard by the county's elected three-judge Orphans' Court. We handle the filings, the deadlines, and the hearings.
Business Succession Planning
Your business plan should not end with your estate plan. We help Prince George's County owners structure succession so a company can continue or transfer without a probate delay or an unnecessary tax event.
Fractional General Counsel
Not every business needs a full-time lawyer. We work with Prince George's County owners on an ongoing basis — contracts, compliance, and emerging issues handled before they become problems.
Why Upper Marlboro clients choose C&O Law Group
- Prince George's County court familiarity: We file with the Register of Wills at the Upper Marlboro courthouse and know how the county's elected Orphans' Court — distinct from Montgomery County's structure — actually handles estate matters.
- Multi-jurisdictional practice: Licensed in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia, the three-jurisdiction region many Prince George's County families live and work across.
- Direct attorney access: You work with your attorney, not a rotating cast of paralegals.
- Transparent flat-fee packages: Clear pricing on standard estate plans, quoted before you engage us. No billing surprises.
- Mobile notary available: We can come to you.
Our attorneys are licensed in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia
Your lawyer for estate planning in Upper Marlboro is Natalija Stamenkovic
Frequently asked
Estate planning questions
Client reviews
What our clients say
★★★★★“We turned to C&O Law Group to put a comprehensive estate plan in place, including a revocable living trust. This was especially important to us because we have a special needs child and also own a medical practice that we plan to pass down to our daughter. We needed a plan that would protect our child's long-term care while also ensuring a smooth transition of our business. The guidance we received was thoughtful, detailed, and clearly tailored to our family's unique situation. We now feel confident that everything is structured properly for both our children and our future.”
★★★★★“C&O Law Group made the estate planning process straightforward and stress-free. Everything was explained clearly, and we never felt rushed or confused. Our wills, trust, and powers of attorney were prepared efficiently and thoroughly. We left the process feeling confident that our family is protected.”