# Estates and Trusts (GET)

## Title 5. Opening the Estate

### Subtitle 3. Administrative Probate

#### Section 5-304

(a)

  (1) Unless a timely request for judicial probate has been filed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, or unless a request has been filed pursuant to Sec. 5-402 of this title within 6 months of administrative probate, any action taken after administrative probate shall be final and binding as to all interested persons.

  (2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a defect in a petition or proceeding relating to administrative probate shall not affect the probate or the grant of letters.

(b) An administrative probate may be set aside and a proceeding for judicial probate instituted if, following a request by an interested person within 18 months of the death of decedent, the court finds that:

  (1) The proponent of a later offered will, in spite of the exercise of reasonable diligence in efforts to locate any will, was actually unaware of the existence of a will at the time of the prior probate;

  (2) The notice provided in Sec. 2-210 of this article was not given to such interested person nor did the interested person have actual notice of the petition for probate; or

  (3) There was fraud, material mistake, or substantial irregularity in the prior probate proceeding.

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Md. Code Ann., Est. & Trusts (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)