Democratic candidate for Judge of the Orphan’s Court for Charles County, Frank H. Lancaster stopped by Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com to discuss the Orphan’s Court, a Judge’s responsibility and his candidacy.

Lancaster has served in the capacity as one of three Judges of the Orphan Court for a year when he was appointed by Gov. Martin O’Malley to replace a retiring judge. When asked about the court, Lancaster explained how the Orphan’s Court works in that when people die, someone who is not emotional determines how best to take care of the family and the estate.

“What happens to your estate after you die without a will?” asked Lancaster with a rhetorical smile. “Rather than let family determine disputed claims, Judges of the Orphan’s  Court make the best decisions in the interest of remaining family members,” continued Lancaster.

When asked why people should vote for him, Lancaster stated, “I am soliciting votes because I have the background and historical knowledge of Charles County and I am people historian and having lived here whole life, know the people and how Charles County property laws work.”

What Lancaster feels most strongly about in performing his duty as Judge of the Orphan’s Court is being able to take care of people of the county in time of greatest need. “We perform much needed adjudication services at a time critical to people and very personal,” said Lancaster. “However, we must always keep in mind the integrity of the will.”

The Judge must run as a partisan candidate, as do all candidates for the position. After the election, judges must perform without regard to political persuasion. “When people die without a will, we must appoint a personal representative who is charged with distributing the estate with the intent of the family.”

The Orphan’s Court meets each Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and according to Lancaster feels that may have to change. “Now we may have 20 to 30 administrative cases and three cases to adjudicate in the morning and three in the afternoon. That’s quite a workload and we find ourselves taking work home many evenings to be able to search case files and the law for cases before us. We may have to add another day to the calendar.”

Lancaster welcomes voters inquiries. Those with questions of the candidate may email him at fhl6@juno.com or call him at (301) 259-2232.