What You Need to Know About Multi-State Probate

Robert Owings | Jan 06 2026 18:00

When a loved one passes away, navigating the probate process can already feel overwhelming. But if they owned property in more than one state, things can get even more complicated.

This situation — called multi-state probate — is more common than many people realize. If your loved one owned a vacation home, investment property, or other assets outside their primary state of residence, their estate may need to go through multiple probate proceedings.

 

At Rob Owings Law, we help families in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. manage these complex probate matters with confidence and clarity.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the court-supervised legal process for settling someone’s estate after their death. It typically involves:

  • Proving the validity of the will

  • Identifying and valuing assets

  • Paying debts and taxes

  • Distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries

This process happens in the state where the person was domiciled(lived permanently).

What Is Multi-State Probate?

Multi-state probate(also called ancillary probate) occurs when a deceased person owns real property or assets in more than one state.

Example:
Let’s say someone lives in Maryland but owns a beach house in Delaware and a rental property in Pennsylvania. The estate would need:

  • Primary probate in Maryland (their home state)

  • Ancillary probate in Delaware and Pennsylvania to transfer the out-of-state properties

Each state has its own probate laws, timelines, filing requirements, and taxes — which can quickly become complex without proper legal guidance.

Why Multi-State Probate Can Be Challenging

Multi-state probate often requires:

  • Multiple court filings in different jurisdictions

  • Coordinating with courts and attorneys in each state

  • Understanding varying tax laws and deadlines

  • Delays in settling the estate

  • Higher legal and administrative costs

For grieving families, this can turn an already stressful process into a logistical maze.

How to Simplify Multi-State Probate

While you can’t always avoid multi-state probate entirely, smart estate planning can make the process significantly easier.

Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Create a Revocable Living Trust

    • By placing out-of-state property into a trust, you can often bypass probate altogether.

    • A trust allows assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement.

  2. Use Joint Ownership or Transfer-on-Death Deeds

    • In some states, titling property jointly with rights of survivorship or using TOD deeds can avoid probate for specific assets.

  3. Work with an Experienced Probate Attorney

    • A lawyer familiar with multi-state probate can coordinate filings, minimize costs, and prevent costly mistakes.

How Rob Owings Law Can Help

At Rob Owings Law, we understand the legal complexities of handling estates that span multiple states. Whether your loved one owned a second home, investment property, or inherited land in another jurisdiction, we can help you:

  • Navigate both primary and ancillary probate efficiently

  • Coordinate with out-of-state attorneys and courts

  • Ensure assets are properly transferred to beneficiaries

  • Minimize tax exposure and delays

  • Protect your family from unnecessary legal stress

We work directly with clients — no unnecessary hand-offs — ensuring your case gets the focused attention it deserves.

 

📍 Licensed in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

📞 Call (443) 977-8640 or visit www.robowingslaw.com to schedule a consultation.

Proactive Planning Can Help Your Family

If you own property in more than one state, the best time to plan is now, not later. By setting up the right estate planning tools — such as trusts, updated deeds, or clear instructions in your will — you can spare your loved ones from a drawn-out and expensive probate process.

Rob Owings Law provides:

  • Wills and trusts

  • Probate and estate administration

  • Multi-state probate assistance

  • Asset protection strategies

Final Thought

 

Multi-state probate doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right legal guidance, families can settle estates smoothly and preserve their loved one’s legacy.

If you or a loved one own property in multiple states, reach out to Rob Owings Law today at (443) 977-8640 to discuss your options. A well-structured estate plan now can save your family time, money, and stress later.