As a legal template writer with over 12 years drafting estate planning documents for U.S. clients, I’ve helped hundreds of Maryland residents create their own simple will template Maryland documents quickly and affordably. A properly executed Maryland last will and testament allows you to decide who receives your property, name guardians for minor children, and appoint an executor — all without paying thousands in attorney fees for basic planning.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m giving you a completely free, attorney-reviewed last will and testament template Maryland residents can download and customize, and execute today. This 2025-updated template complies with Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts Article §§ 4-101 through 4-110 and meets the latest Maryland signing requirements.
Without a valid will, Maryland’s intestate succession laws (Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts § 3-101 et seq.) decide who inherits your assets. This often leads to results you would not have chosen — for example, your unmarried partner receives nothing, or your estate is split among distant relatives instead of close friends or charities.
A simple will template for Maryland lets you:
According to Maryland law and IRS guidelines on estate matters, your will is valid only if it meets these strict criteria:
Source: Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts Article, Title 4 (accessed via mgaleg.maryland.gov and courts.state.md.us)
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Enter your full legal name, county of residence, and marital status.
The template automatically revokes all prior wills and codicils.
Name your primary executor and at least one alternate. Maryland does not require your executor to live in-state, but non-residents must appoint a Maryland resident agent or pay bond.
If you have children under 18, name a guardian and alternate guardian for both person and property.
List specific cash gifts, personal property, or real estate you want particular people to receive.
Everything not specifically gifted passes under the residuary clause. You may divide the residue by percentage or equal shares.
Print, sign, and date in front of two disinterested witnesses (people who are not beneficiaries).
Take the signed will and affidavit to a notary. This eliminates the need for witnesses to appear in court after your death.
| LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF | |
|---|---|
| I, Jane Marie Johnson, of Baltimore County, Maryland, revoke all prior wills... | |
| Article 1 | Family Information: Married to Robert Johnson; two children: Sarah (age 12) and Michael (age 9) |
| Article 2 | Personal Representative: I appoint my sister, Emily Davis, as Personal Representative. If unable, I appoint my brother, Thomas Davis. |
| Article 3 | Guardian: I appoint Emily Davis as guardian of my minor children. |
| Article 4 | Specific Gifts: $10,000 to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; my diamond ring to daughter Sarah... |
| Article 5 | Residue: Equally to my children; if a child predeceases me, to their descendants per stirpes. |
This free Maryland last will template is ideal for straightforward estates, but you should consult an attorney if you have:
Is a will from another state valid in Maryland?
Yes, if it was valid where executed, but executing a new Maryland-specific will is safer.
Does Maryland have estate or inheritance tax?
Yes. Maryland is one of six states with an inheritance tax (up to 10% for distant relatives). Estates over $5 million may also owe Maryland estate tax. Source: Comptroller of Maryland.
Can I disinherit my spouse in Maryland?
No. Your surviving spouse has a statutory elective share (roughly one-third to one-half depending on children).
How often should I update my will?
At minimum every 3–5 years or after major life events.
This simple will template Maryland document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors. I strongly recommend having your completed will reviewed by a licensed Maryland estate planning attorney before signing. Neither the author nor this website is responsible for any consequences arising from use of this template.
Ready to protect your family today? Download your free last will and testament template Maryland now and gain peace of mind in under 30 minutes.
© 2025 – All rights reserved. Template last reviewed November 2025.