Governor Larry Hogan has announced the appointment of Paul S. Carroll as Chief Judge of the Talbot County Orphans’ Court, following the retirement of Chief Judge Will Howard. “I have had the privilege of serving on the Court with Judge Howard since I joined the Court in 2014. Will has been a dedicated public servant and community supporter his whole life. All of us on the Court and in the Register of Wills Office are grateful for his service and wish him well.“ Carroll said. In addition to his duties as Chief Judge, Carroll also serves as one of the directors of the Maryland Association of Judges of the Orphans’ Courts.
Carroll’s assumption of the role of Chief Judge created a vacancy in the role of Associate Judge which has been filled by Governor Hogan’s simultaneous appointment of Jack Hall to that position. Hall practiced law for forty-three years, including planning for and giving advice in the administration of estates of decedent. He has appeared before the Courts in all the surrounding counties plus Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Carroll was joined by David Wheeler, who became a member of the court in 2018, in expressing confidence that Hall’s professional experience will make him a valuable member of the Court.
The Orphans’ Court is a court of limited jurisdiction specializing in cases involving decedents’ estates which are contested and supervision of those estates which are probated judicially. Its goal is to carry out the wishes of the decedent. Where disputes arise, it encourages the parties to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, in accordance with the wishes of the decedent and applicable law. The Orphans’ Court approves Accounts and awards Personal Representatives’ commissions and attorneys’ fees as well as resolving disputed claims filed against estate proceedings. Further, it has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court in the guardianships of minors and their property. Patricia E. (Patti) Campen, Register of Wills for Talbot County, serves as Clerk to the Orphans’ Court. The Court meets weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Due to the pandemic, it has held its hearings recently in the Bradley Room to enable social distancing. More information is available at https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/index.php?page=Orphans_Court#:
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