Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be legal advice. For legal advice on what to do in your situation, please speak with an attorney.
Estate planning can be a daunting process. In Maryland, some estate planning documents need to be notarized. This post will discuss the newly available transfer-on-death deed as an estate planning document.
New as of October 2026, Marylanders can file a deed that names a beneficiary to their home, which immediately transfers upon their death. This is a great option because the home does not have to pass through probate, which can be a lengthy process. It does not change your ownership rights during your life and can be revoked at any time. Additionally, the process to create this deed has been simplified for owners, so it’s ideal for someone planning their estate without a lawyer.
Requirements for the transfer-on-death deed are discussed in Md. Code Real Property §§ 14-1001 through 14-1014. There is also a template deed detailed in Maryland law that can be followed. The deed requires an acknowledgement given by the owner to a notary before it can be recorded at the Land Records Office in the Circuit Court of the county in which the property is located. There’s a lot of buzz around this new option for homeowners in Maryland, and I will help connect you with accurate information and assist in notarizing this important document in your estate planning process.
Sources: The People’s Law Library Transfer-on-Death and Life Estate Deeds, Transfer-on-Death Deed User Guide