§ 2-209

(a) Any will, probated, or any paper filed in the office of the register may not be delivered out of the office to any person.

(b) When a will or other paper is properly demanded for introduction in evidence, it shall be presented under the care of the register or the register’s deputy.

(c) (1) The register may comply with subsection (a) of this section by
retaining a permanent paper file of a probated will in the office and a copy of any other file associated with the estate in paper, photographic, microprocessed, magnetic, mechanical, electronic, digital, or any other medium if the copy is maintained in a manner that:

(i) Is clear and legible;

(ii) Accurately reproduces the original document in its entirety, including any attachments to the document;

(iii) Is capable of producing a clear and legible hard copy of the original document; and

(iv) Preserves evidence of any signature contained on the document.

(2) No sooner than 180 days following the closing of an estate, the register may dispose of any file associated with the estate other than the will if a copy of the file is retained by the register in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) In consultation with the Comptroller and the State Archives to ensure uniform application throughout the State, the register shall develop standards in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.