TASK FORCE TO STUDY FIDUCIARY ADJUDICATION IN MARYLAND

Appointed by Governor to 4-year terms: one vacancy

Appointed by Senate President: two vacancies

Appointed by House Speaker: two vacancies

Appointed by Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland: Catherine Huger (Kate) McQueen

Appointed by Chair, Conference of Orphans' Court Judges: Juliet G. Fisher; Athena Malloy Groves.

Appointed by President, Maryland Register of Wills Association: Byron E. Macfarlane; Mary C. Rolle.

Appointed by Chair, Estate & Trust Law Section Council, Maryland State Bar Association: Jonathan G. Lasley, Esq.; Kelly M. Pretorati, Esq.

Staff (Bar Association): Jonathan G. Lasley, Esq. (410) 570-5577; e-mail: lasley.jg@gmail.com
Laura L. Thomas, Esq. (240) 813-4885; e-mail: laura@legacylegalplanningllc.com

c/o Department of Legislative Services
Legislative Services Building, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 946-5500

Legislative Services Building (from College Ave.), 90 State Circle, Annapolis, Maryland, January 2018. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

In July 2025, the Task Force to Study Fiduciary Adjudication in Maryland was formed by the General Assembly (Chapter 220, Acts of 2025).

The Task Force charge is to examine the qualifications, training, and methods of selection of judges hearing probate and other fiduciary matters in Maryland; and examine the jurisdictions of the orphans’ courts and circuit courts with respect to fiduciary matters. The Task Force will analyze: the efficiency of procedures for adjudicating fiduciary contested and uncontested matters in the orphans’ courts and circuit courts; the effect of the different qualifications of orphans’ court judges and related litigation procedures on the uniform application of justice in Maryland; and the laws and practices of other states relating to these matters, including the selection, qualification, and training of judges to hear fiduciary matters. Further, the Task Force is to seek guidance from witnesses with experience or expertise in the area of fiduciary adjudication; examine research, analysis, or guidance related to best practices for adjudicating fiduciary matters; offer opportunities for public testimony on these subjects; and recommend how to improve efficiency, uniformity, and quality of fiduciary adjudication in Maryland.

Twelve members constitute the Task Force. One is appointed by the Governor, and one by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland. Two members each are appointed by the Senate President; the House Speaker; the Chair of the Conference of Orphans' Court Judges; the President of the Maryland Register of Wills Association; and the Chair of the Estate and Trust Law Section Council of the Maryland State Bar Association. The Governor choses the Chair.

Authorization for the Task Force ends June 30, 2026.

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