Advance Directive Form

Maryland’s Advance Directive form authorizes an individual’s healthcare proxy and specifies instructions regarding their living and last will. It must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

In Maryland, a death certificate can be obtained by:

• Deceased’s immediate family members
• Funereal director in charge of body disposition
• A legal representative of the deceased or their family members
• Anyone with a proven legal need or a court order

The required application information includes:

• Deceased’s name, age, and sex
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name
• Applicant’s phone number, e-mail, address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased and proof of the fact
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID
• Purpose for request
• Self-addressed stamped envelope for mailing the certificate

The certificate and one certified copy cost $12. An additional copy cost $12. Cash is not accepted.

The application can be handed in person or mailed to:

Division of Vital Records

P.O. Box 68760

Baltimore, Maryland 21215-0036

Digital Estate Planning Law

SB239/HB507 Maryland Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on October 1st, 2016.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Currently, Maryland has no legislation regarding death with dignity. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Maryland’s organ donation registry.

Maryland Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

This form must be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative and signed by a physician. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Maryland’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Titles 1-16, Estates and Trusts Act.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Maryland has both an estate tax of up to 16% and an inheritance tax of up to 10% imposed. More information can be found here.