Maryland § 5-503

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-503, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-503.

    (a)    Each burial lot and each crypt sold or conveyed in a cemetery shall be held by the owner only for the purpose of burial.

    (b)    The interest of an owner of a burial lot or crypt that is held for the burial of the owner or others and not held as an investment is not:

        (1)    considered property;

        (2)    subject to attachment or execution for debt;

        (3)    subject to the insolvency laws of the State;

        (4)    to be inventoried in the estate of the owner; or

        (5)    subject to inheritance taxes.

    (c)    The interest of an owner of a burial lot or crypt that is held as an investment and not held for the burial of the owner or others is:

        (1)    considered personal property;

        (2)    subject to attachment or execution for debt;

        (3)    subject to the insolvency laws of the State;

        (4)    to be inventoried in the estate of the owner; and

        (5)    subject to inheritance taxes.

    (d)    Subject to the rules of the cemetery owner and to the terms of any contract made with the cemetery owner, the interest of an owner of a burial lot or crypt:

        (1)    may be disposed of during the lifetime of the owner of the burial lot or crypt with the consent of the cemetery owner;

        (2)    may be disposed of by specific reference in the will of the owner; and

        (3)    otherwise passes to the heirs of the owner, as defined in § 1-101 of the Estates and Trusts Article.

    (e)    (1)    The owner of a burial lot is responsible for the care of a memorial or monument placed on the burial lot.

        (2)    Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a party responsible for a cemetery from maintaining or repairing a damaged memorial or monument.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-503

What does Maryland Code § 5-503 cover?

Section 5-503 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 5-503?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-503" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 5-503 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.