Planning for Peace: Understanding Burial Expenses in Maryland and How to Prepare
By: Z Family Law
At Z Family Law, we believe in planning for peace—because the more you plan now, the less your loved ones have to worry about later.
One often-overlooked part of that planning? Funeral and burial expenses.
Most of us don’t want to think about the end of life. But when the time comes, having a plan can make all the difference for the people we love most. Understanding how burial expenses work in Maryland—and how to fund them—can offer clarity, comfort, and control.
What Are Burial Expenses, Legally Speaking?
In Maryland, burial or funeral expenses are considered a priority debt when someone passes away. That means before most other debts are paid, the estate’s personal representative (usually the executor named in a will) is legally permitted—and often required—to pay for reasonable funeral costs from estate assets.
Under Maryland law, after the letters of administration are issued to the Personal Representative, up to $15,000 in funeral and burial expenses can be repaid from the estate without court approval. This includes costs such as:
- Funeral home services
- Casket or urn
- Burial or cremation
- Headstone or grave marker
- Flowers, obituary, and transportation
If the estate doesn’t have enough funds to cover everything, surviving family members may end up shouldering those costs—unless alternative funding or pre-planning is in place.
How Can Burial Expenses Be Funded?
Here are a few common ways burial expenses are covered in Maryland:
1. Through the Estate
If the deceased has assets (like a bank account or home), the estate is responsible for paying burial costs before other debts are settled.
2. Life Insurance Proceeds: Life insurance policies can help loved ones pay for burial expenses quickly, especially if a specific beneficiary is named. For example, teachers in Maryland have access to a life insurance policy specifically designated for burial expenses. (Pro tip: Make sure the policy is up-to-date and someone knows how to access it.)
3. Payable-on-Death (POD) Accounts
These special bank accounts are designed to transfer funds directly to a named individual upon death, avoiding probate delays.
4. Prepaid Funeral Plans
Some individuals choose to prepay funeral expenses through a funeral home or trust. Just be sure the plan is clearly documented and that loved ones know about it.
5. Funeral Assistance Programs
For families facing financial hardship, Maryland offers limited assistance for burial costs through social services, especially in cases involving Medicaid recipients.
Why It’s Time to Think About What You Want
Let’s be honest—most of us avoid thinking about our own funeral. It feels too far away. Or too morbid. Or just… not now.
But here’s the truth: planning your funeral isn't about being morbid. It’s about being mindful.
It’s a final gift to your loved ones—giving them guidance and space to grieve without guesswork.
That’s why we created the Z Family Law Remembrance Form. It’s a simple, thoughtful way to share how you want your life to be honored. From music and readings to flowers or final words, you get to decide what matters most.
And if you don’t know where to start? We’ll guide you through it.
A Few Things to Consider
- Do you prefer burial or cremation?
- Would you like a religious or secular service?
- Is there a poem, song, or quote you’d want included?
- Who should speak? Where should it be held?
- Are there traditions or personal touches that reflect your life?
Writing down these details now ensures that your story is told the way you want it to be.
Start the Conversation Today
At Z Family Law, we believe in creating new beginnings, and part of that includes preparing for life’s natural end with compassion and intention. Our estate planning services go far beyond wills and trusts; they’re about giving you and your family peace of mind.
Want to take the first step?
Ask us for the Z Family Law Remembrance Form—a gentle, powerful way to plan ahead.
Because your life deserves to be remembered your way.