Knowledge & Resources
Wills and estate planning
What a will does, how to write one, and what your state requires for it to count.
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Wills and estate planning
What a will does, how to write one, and what your state requires for it to count.
Maryland recognises handwritten wills only for members of the armed services abroad, and they expire a year after discharge.
A Maryland will must be in writing, signed by the testator or by someone else for the testator in the testator's physical presence and at their express direction, and attested and signed by two or more credible witnesses in the testator's physical presence. Maryland also allows electronic presence for a will that meets its separate electronic or remotely witnessed will requirements.
Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-102
No. Section 4-102 requires two credible witnesses, not a notary, and notarizing a Maryland will does not substitute for them.
Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-102
Almost never. Maryland accepts a will entirely in the testator's handwriting, without attesting witnesses, only where the testator is serving in the armed services of the United States and signs it outside a state, the District of Columbia or a US territory. Such a will becomes void one year after the testator's discharge. For everyone else a handwritten will still needs two witnesses.
Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-103
Any person 18 years of age or older who is legally competent to make a will may make one in Maryland.
Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-102(a)
Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-102 (Execution of wills). In writing, signed by the testator (or by another for them, in their physical presence and at their express direction), and attested and signed by two or more credible witnesses in the testator's physical or electronic presence.
Links last checked 2026-08-25.
We could not read this statute at its official source, so the summary above is provisional. Confirm it before relying on it.
This is general information about the law, not legal advice, and it has not been reviewed by an attorney licensed in Maryland. Requirements change. Confirm the current rules for your state before you sign.
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