Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 4 - Judicial Probate
Section 5-401 - Nature of Proceeding

(a)    Judicial probate is a proceeding instituted by:
        (1)    The filing of a petition for probate by an interested person, or creditor, with the court for the probate of a will; or
        (2)    A determination of the intestacy of the decedent, and for the appointment of a personal representative.
    (b)    The proceeding is conducted after notice as provided in § 5–403 of this subtitle, and is final except as provided in § 5–406 of this subtitle.
    (c)    If no petition is filed within a reasonable time the register may file it with the approval of the court.