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Talbot County Judge of the Orphans' Court {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

DUTIES: The Maryland Orphans’ Court is the state’s probate court and presides over the administration of estates; it also has jurisdiction over guardianship of minors. Orphans’ Court judges are responsible for the supervision of estates that must go through probate. They also may appoint Guardians for the person and property of minors. Orphans’ Court judges conduct formal hearings involving estate or guardianship disputes and rule on Petitions and Administration Accounts involved with estate and/or guardianship proceedings. The State Constitution does not require Orphans Court judges to be lawyers.BASE SALARY: $ 5,500TERM: Four years, no term limit.HOW ELECTED: Elected county-wide.

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    Michelle Ewing
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Elizabeth A. Ferguson
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Philip Carey Foster
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Carol van Erven
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this office?

PRIORITIES: What are your priorities for this office?

CHALLENGES: What is the greatest challenge facing the Orphans' Court system and how would you address it?

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Campaign Phone 4108221700
Campaign Email philipcareyfoster@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook http://www.facebook.com/philforjudge
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 777
Easton, MD 21601
Chief Judge of the Orphans’ Court. Graduate of Easton High, College of Wooster & Vanderbilt Law school. Captain in the US Army. Former County Council President, State’s Attorney & Delegate to MD General Assembly. Completed mediation training. Former associate professor at Chesapeake College in various law related subjects. Fifty years in the private practice of law. Past president of the Talbot Bar.
Many of the people who come before the Court have little or no experience with legal matters. Our priority as judges is to ensure that their concerns do not go unheard as a result. Those who do not have attorneys should receive equal treatment. A related priority is the need to protect persons entitled to inherit from an estate from the incompetence or dishonesty of the persons appointed as personal representatives (executors). Finally, we must rule on questions of probate law.
Last year estates ranging from thousands of dollars to 100 million dollars passed through the Talbot Orphans Court. What was once a simple process has become increasingly complex. Serious legal questions are presented. I am the only lawyer running for this office. As an attorney I handled estates while in private practice and currently serve on the Court as its chief judge, I believe my commitment and experience equip me to meet the challenges of this position.
Campaign Phone 860-917-8586
Campaign Email carolsclassicmusic@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address 28564 Gilnock Rd
Easton, MD 21601-8340
Helping people has always been my passion. With thirty years as an educator and a doctorate in supervision and administration, I've spent decades guiding families through tough, complex situations—always putting their needs first. As your Orphans' Court judge, I'll protect estate assets for heirs, enforce accountability, and guarantee fairness. That same commitment—putting people first—is what Talbot County deserves. The little guy finally gets a voice with Carol Van Erven.
My campaign is about service to families. Our families deserve a court that works for them. I know what it’s like to watch loved one’s money vanish into fees. I will always ensure the estate assets are protected for the heirs. In summary, my priority is to serve families. I will fight for fair, fast, and family first. That’s what our community deserves.
Families just want their inheritance quick and fair, not stuck in limbo. A faster, fairer probate benefits everyone. The challenge is giving people back their time, their peace, and their future. It’s about families getting what matters most.
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