DUTIES: Judges of the Orphans’ Court supervise the administration of estates. The Orphan’s Court shares jurisdiction with the Circuit Court over guardianships of minors. Orphan’s Court Judges conduct hearings that involve probate and guardianship disputes, review and act upon administration accounts, and request payments from estates or guardianships. This is a part-time Judicial position, meeting on Mondays and TuesdaysTERM: Four years with no term limits.SALARY: $15,000 (Chief Judge, designated by the Governor, receives $16,500).HOW ELECTED: Elected countywide.
Campaign Phone
4437890108
I currently have eight years of experience serving as an Orphans’ Court Judge. We are required to attend yearly training sessions. I have an Associate Degree with concentration in Paralegal studies from Stevenson University. I have over 30 years of dedicated interest in my community from Planning and Zoning for the City of Westminster to the Battered Spouse Commission.
Probate Court is the one court that most people will have experience with during their lifetime. The Orphans’ court grants the opportunity for everyone to have their day within the judicial system by following the last wishes as stated in a probated will.
The Carroll County Orphans Court has been fortunate in the past few years to have a panel of Judges that work consciously for the constituents of the county.
Campaign Phone
3016065841
I have 16 years experience in Howard County, eight of those as Chief Judge, and 11 years in Carroll County, five of those as Chief Judge. I think that more than qualifies me for this position. I've also attended MICPEL courses and other judicial courses through the MAJOC program.
To continue to serve the citizens to the best of my ability.
The Orphan's Court system of Maryland is one of the most efficient systems. The greatest challenge would be to continue to elect qualified individuals who have the experience to conduct the court in the proper manner.
I have served as chief judge of the Carroll County Orphans' Court since 2023 after practicing Estates and Trust Law and Elder Law for 21 years in Carroll County. Using my legal background and mediation skills acquired in training and serving as a volunteer mediator with Community Mediation Maryland, I have diligently served Carroll County citizens with compassion and fairness to navigate the probate process after the death of a loved one.
Orphans' Court judges supervise the probate of estates according to Maryland law, including validity of wills, approval of accounts, commissions, hear contested matters regarding a decedent's estate and legal questions involving transfers of property.
After the death of a loved one, my priority is respectful assistance to estate beneficiaries in the harmonious distribution of decedent's assets according to the desires of the decedent and Maryland law.
As Maryland population grows in number and diversity, providing services and trained personnel to meet citizen needs in civil and criminal matters is a challenge. Establishing and funding programs to educate and guide the public in legal matters is ongoing. Through continuing legal, ethical and diversity training, Carroll County Orphans' Court judges guide estate probate with professionalism, humility and compassion.
I spent 8 years on the Board of License Commissioners (aka Liquor Board), 5 years as the alternate and 3 years as a Member. During that time, I and my fellow commissioners presided over many cases and were responsible for making timely and equitable decisions for the best outcomes while being empathetic to the needs of the businesses. Also, while owning and operating Tina's Deli, I became very driven to provide exceptional service to my community.
My prioritites are to serve the people of Carroll County in a professional, timely and empathetic fashion.
I think the greatest challenges in relationship to the Orphan's Court is the efficiency of the process causing backlogs and high costs for families. With the implementation of mandatory training and education in January 2027 and improved onboarding of new Judges, I think the process will move towards being more streamlined and cost saving.
