Md. Code, Est. & Trusts § 5-608

Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session, chs. 2--407, effective on or before 7/1/2024

Section 5-608 - No administration required for motor vehicles or boats

(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.

Md. Code, ET § 5-608

Added by 2018 Md. Laws, Ch. 551,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2018.