News/Updates

It is with great sadness that we announce that the Honorable Joseph M. Griffin, Register of the Wills of Montgomery County, Maryland, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Under Joe's guidance and leadership, the Register of Wills Office became the standard for other Register of Wills offices to follow.

The Judges of the Orphans Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, have appointed Amera Jones as Acting Register of Wills. Ms. Jones has been with the Register of Wills Office for seventeen (17) years and was named Chief Deputy in 2017. The judges will immediately commence the search to find a replacement for the Honorable Joseph M. Griffin, who passed Sunday, August 3. Pursuant to Art. 4, §41 of the Maryland Constitution, the individual designated by the bench will serve as the Register of Wills until the 2026 general election.