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The Orphans’ Court is Maryland’s probate court and presides over the administration of estates. In simpler terms, the main job of the Orphans’ Court is to supervise the management of estates of people who have died – with or without a Will – while owning property in their sole name.
111 North Calvert St. Baltimore, MD 21202. phone: (410) 396-5034. The Orphans’ Court specializes in handling cases involving wills and estates for deceased persons, the protection of minor’s assets and has jurisdiction over guardianship of the person for minor child.
The Orphans' Court handles all matters involving estates and wills as the probate court in Maryland, and also some guardianship matters of minors. The Orphans' Court and the Register of Wills Offices are located on the fourth floor within the DuVall Wing of the Upper Marlboro Courthouse.
- www.baltimorecountymd.gov
- › Department
A court of limited jurisdiction specializing in cases involving disputes about wills or codicils, administration of estates, guardianships over property left to minors and protection of minors’ assets.
The Orphans' Court owes its name, confusing to the 21st century mind, to the fact that the children of deceased male landowners were considered orphans when the father died. They were the persons for whom the "orphans' court" legal system was developed, to protect their inheritance interests.
Though small in size, the Orphans' Court is responsible for many duties. Some of the many matters handled include decedents' estates, trusts, guardian appointments of minors and incapacitated persons, adoptions, termination of parental rights and marriage licenses.
There is an Orphans’ Court in Baltimore City and in each county in the State of Maryland, except for Harford County, Howard County, and Montgomery County. In these three counties, a Circuit Court judge sits as an Orphans’ Court in probate proceedings.
The Orphans’ Court addresses adoptions, domestic and foreign, involving private agencies located in and outside of Allegheny County, as well as cases arranged through private (non-agency) intermediaries.
Currently there are five judges assigned to the Orphans' Court Division. Orphans' Court matters are scheduled approximately every six weeks. Orphans' Court Motions are heard on Fridays within the normal 6 week cycle, and generally follow the same schedule as Audits.
Jul 8, 2022 · The Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court is open to the public from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Both virtual and in-person appointments are conducted. Please call 215-348-6254 or 215-348-6264 to schedule an appointment.
