LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The Orphans’ Court, despite the name, is involved in administering wills and estates. Maryland has held onto the curious name despite its misleading tendency. Just a little trivia for you, so you can amaze your family and friends at parties!
The transfer of $30 trillion dollars of wealth is underway in our country and Forbes has named Howard County one of the richest counties in the United States. The Orphans’ Court for Howard County is the county’s probate court. The court is responsible for overseeing the transfer of wealth for every estate that is judicially administered here. The probate process can be lengthy, confusing, and expensive. Unfortunately, wills and estates are being disputed more often and estate litigation is on the rise.Disputed estates are often valuable, emotionally charged, and high-stakes cases. Howard County does not offer or require mediation for probate cases, so estates are litigated before the court—sometimes for years.
The court was served by lay judges (non-lawyers) in the 1700’s, and lay judges are still permitted to serve in Howard County. Here, residency is the only requirement to become a probate judge. While neighboring jurisdictions require that their judges be attorneys, Howard County has yet to follow suit. The court comprises three judges who are elected every four years in accordance with Maryland’s Constitution. There is no term limit. In 2014, Howard County elected two lay judges and one retired attorney. Voting for the 2018 – 2022 court is currently underway. Early voting continued through Thursday, June 21, and the Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 26. There are no Republican candidates, so registered Democrats who vote in the Primary will select the court for the next term.
WHY FITCH?
As the only candidate who attended law school to focus on wills, trusts & estates, along with business and tax law, I am the best trained to serve you as a Judge of the Orphans’ Court. My professional legal training focused on how to write, read, and interpret estate documents, while I polished my legal research and writing. Additionally, I served the Orphans’ Court and the Maryland Court of Appeals – Maryland’s highest court, while completing my education and raising a family. This experience gives me great insight into the Orphans’ Court and how it may grow and evolve with some fresher ideas.
I have gained practical, client-centered experience at the law firm of Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin and White, the region’s premier litigation firm. As a judge, I will work diligently to fairly, accurately, and quickly administer wills and estates. Implementation of mediation and community outreach programs are among the fresh ideas I bring to you. Further, my technical knowledge of the Court’s inner workings gives me insight on even more fresh ideas that can capture efficiencies in the administration of justice.
DEMONSTRATED COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
My commitment to service is life-long. As a young child, I began serving my community through my church. I continued to serve during high school, college, and beyond. Whether building ball fields for children, repairing homes in the Appalachian region, or volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician, I have always found time to give back. In addition to receiving many honors for my academic work, I received the Platinum Pro Bono Challenge Award from my law school in recognition of my outstanding contribution to pro bono services.
It was my privilege to serve students as a former substitute teacher and to serve my community as an appointed member of the Community Advisory Council. Currently, I’m active in Kiwanis International and Rotary, both great community service organizations in Howard County.
EDUCATION MATTERS
University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D. – 2018, Magna Cum Laude.
University of Maryland at College Park, B.A. – 2002.
Before graduating from law school with high honors, I was Staff Editor for the school’s prestigious flagship journal, LawReview. Also, I served as President of the Business & Tax Law Association and Representative to the Maryland State Bar Association Taxation Council. Induction into the Royal Graham Shannonhouse Honor’s Society for academic excellence and award of the Dean’s Citation for enhancing the school’s reputation were my great privileges and honors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Finally, if you’d like more information, or just want to share your thoughts and concerns, please contact me through the links below.
www.elizabethannfitch.com
www.facebook.com/ElectElizabethFitch
www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-ann-fitch
www.instagram.com/votefitch
Also, I can be found in the following June publications: Business Monthly, The League of Women Voters Guide, and Her Mind Magazine (https://hermindmagazine.com/campaign-contributions/).
Thank you for your time and your vote!
Elizabeth Fitch
Howard County, Maryland
Note: Ms. Fitch is a candidate in Howard County, Maryland seeking to be one of the judges of the Orphans’ Court.