Need help with a review of a will?
Have it reviewed by a lawyer, get answers to your questions and move forward with confidence.
Connect with a lawyer now

Terms Used In Maryland Code, ESTATES AND TRUSTS 5-608

  • Decedent: A deceased person.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Legatee: A beneficiary of a decedent
(a) If the only property owned by a decedent is not more than two motor vehicles and the decedent’s surviving spouse is the decedent’s only heir or legatee:

(1) Administration of an estate of the decedent is not required; and

(2) The Motor Vehicle Administration may transfer title to a motor vehicle owned by the decedent to the surviving spouse if:

(i) The surviving spouse certifies to the Motor Vehicle Administration that all debts and taxes owed by the decedent have been paid; and

(ii) The Motor Vehicle Administration receives a copy of the decedent’s death certificate and suitable proof of the existence of the marriage.

(b) If the only property owned by a decedent is a boat or vessel with an appraised value that does not exceed $5,000 and the decedent’s surviving spouse is the decedent’s only heir or legatee:

(1) Administration of an estate of the decedent is not required; and

(2) The agency that issued the certificate of title may transfer the certificate of title for the boat or vessel to the surviving spouse of the decedent if:

(i) The surviving spouse certifies to the agency that all debts and taxes owed by the decedent have been paid;

(ii) The agency receives satisfactory evidence of the value of the boat or vessel, which may be provided by a statement signed by two individuals stating that:

1. They have personal knowledge of the value of boats or vessels of the type that is in the estate; and

2. The value of the boat or vessel does not exceed $5,000; and

(iii) The agency receives a copy of the decedent’s death certificate and suitable proof of the existence of the marriage.