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In 2026, local elections will take place for many vital positions in the county. You probably know what you’re voting for when you cast your ballot for Sheriff or County Commissioner, but what about the lesser-known officials in the courthouse, like the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Register of Wills, or Orphans’ Court judges? What do they do? It’s probably a good time to find out!
Clerk of the Circuit Court
When you think of courts, you probably picture judges and lawyers and drama. But the Clerk of the Circuit Court is the one who keeps the whole system running. The Clerk’s office serves as a public records repository and a customer-service desk of sorts for the courts. In Maryland, Clerks supervise the filing of civil, criminal, and juvenile case records, record land deeds and mortgages, process liens and conveyances, issue business and marriage licenses, perform civil marriage ceremonies, and commission notaries public – basically, anything you can think of.
Beyond paperwork, the Clerk’s office is where residents interact with justice in everyday ways: someone transferring property, a person getting married, or an attorney filing motions. The Clerk ensures official documents like land records, civil and criminal case files, and marriage licenses are organized and searchable. The Clerk is also responsible for streamlining processes where possible, so the office and the county can run as smoothly as possible.
In our county, the Clerk is an elected official, so voters have direct influence over how this vital operation is run. Who the Clerk is matters because the office touches every aspect of legal life for citizens, including some extremely sensitive matters.
Register of Wills
The Register of Wills is the office that handles probate, which is the process of proving a will is authentic and administering someone’s estate after death. The Register’s office acts as the authority for opening estates, appointing personal representatives, and providing guidance to the public on starting the probate process after the loss of a loved one.
Like the Clerk of Court, the Register of Wills does several things. They maintain permanent records of probate proceedings, collect applicable fees and inheritance taxes, audit accountings of personal representatives and guardians, and refer contested matters to the Orphans’ Court for judicial resolution. Despite being involved in legal processes, they cannot give legal advice. The office also offers a will-safekeeping service for those who want their last wishes kept in an official repository.
The Register of Wills’ capability affects how quickly estates are settled, how transparently assets are handled, and whether critical errors are caught early. The position requires a high level of professionalism as well as empathy, as they often have to help families navigate the probate process while they are grieving.
Orphans’ Court Judge
Maryland’s Orphans’ Court is the state’s probate court. It was created to supervise the administration of estates and to protect the property interests of minors and others unable to advocate for themselves. Orphans’ Court judges have limited (but not unimportant) jurisdiction: they hear contested probate matters, supervise personal representatives, approve or audit estate accounts, and appoint guardians for minors or for property. When a probate matter requires judicial intervention, the Orphans’ Court provides the venue.
Though less well-known than criminal or civil courts, the Orphans’ Court performs a vital role in the probate process. For example, the Orphan’s Court steps in if executors mismanage assets, if heirs dispute inheritance distributions, or when guardianships for minors must be established or reviewed. Judges work to settle disputes so estates can close properly.
In Caroline, Orphan’s Court judges do not need a law degree or background in the legal field. But electing competent Orphans’ Court judges is important. Judges must be fair, attentive to detail, and willing to do the heavy lifting it takes to ensure an equitable outcome for families. Sensitive matters are often on the line, such as protecting a minor’s inheritance from being exploited or making sure a family farm remains intact.
