Md. Code Ann., Est. & Trusts § 4-201
Redline — January 1, 2020 → current.View current text →
Current — January 1, 2022
As of January 1, 2020
(a) (1) A will may be deposited by the testator, or by the testator’s agent, for safekeeping with the register of the county where the testator resides.
(2) The register shall give a receipt for the will, on the payment of the required fee.
(b) (1) The will shall be enclosed in a sealed wrapper, which shall have endorsed on it “Will of,” followed by:
(i) The name of the testator;
(ii) The testator’s address; and
(iii) The testator’s Social Security number, if available.
(2) The register shall endorse on the will:
(i) The date it was received; and
(ii) The name of the person from whom it was received.
(3) The will is not to be delivered or opened except as provided in this subtitle.
(c) During the lifetime of the testator a deposited will may be delivered only to the testator, or to a person authorized by the testator in writing to receive it.
(d) After being informed of the death of the testator, the register shall:
(1) Open the will;
(2) Notify the personal representative named in the will, and any other person the register considers appropriate, that the will is on deposit with the register;
(3) Retain the will as a deposited will until it is offered for probate; and
(4) Keep a photographic copy of a will transmitted elsewhere for probate.
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a person having custody of a will who is not the testator of the will has a duty to maintain custody of the will and unless authorized by the testator may not:
(1) Destroy or dispose of the will;
(2) Disclose the contents of the will to any other person; or
(3) Deliver the will to any person other than the testator.
Official source: Maryland General Assembly. Reproduced from public-domain Maryland statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.