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Register of Wills · Montgomery County · 2026 Primary
The Register of Wills oversees the legal process of settling a person's estate after they pass away, ensuring assets are distributed correctly to heirs and beneficiaries according to the law. This office is responsible for maintaining permanent records of wills and probate documents while also collecting inheritance taxes on behalf of the state. By managing these sensitive transitions, the official ensures the orderly and transparent transfer of property within the community.
View all candidates in this raceBarbara Ebel is a state workforce development official serving as reemployment program director for Montgomery County America Job Centers who filed to run for Register of Wills in Montgomery County. She brings more than 20 years of experience in public administration, community engagement, and executive leadership with a career rooted in service to working families. At 54 years old, she is the first candidate to file following the August death of former Register Joe Griffin who served nearly 26 years. Ebel currently serves on Montgomery County's Workforce Development Board and was elected At-Large to the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee in 2022.
Sources: Campaign website
"My vision as the County's next Register of Wills is to make this office approachable and fully equipped to help residents both plan ahead and navigate loss with dignity."
"Every family deserves clarity and compassion in their time of grief and loss. My mission is to create an office that not only manages wills and estates efficiently but also provides heartfelt support and education to members of our community."
"When someone passes, you are in a different state of mind. And you want to make sure that when you come to an office like the register of wills, the people there are going to show you compassion, and they're going to be … empathetic to the situation that people are going through."
"I believe that every family deserves clarity and compassion in their time of grief and loss."
Source: barbaraebel.com
Compassionate Constituent Services
To ensure the Office of the Register of Wills provides efficient, holistic support to County residents and their families during difficult times
“"Effective Constituent Services: To ensure the Office of the Register of Wills provides efficient, holistic support to County residents and their families during difficult times."”
Proactive Community Outreach
To launch comprehensive public education initiatives in estate planning, wills, and advance preparation helping families plan ahead and avoid unexpected complications
“"Proactive Community Outreach: To launch comprehensive public education initiatives in the areas of: estate planning, wills, and the importance of advance preparation, helping families to plan ahead and avoid unexpected complications."”
Accessibility and Inclusivity
To ensure probate and estate planning services are accessible through multilingual resources, virtual consultations, and partnerships with community organizations throughout Montgomery County
“"Accessibility and Inclusivity: To ensure probate and estate planning services are accessible to every resident through multilingual resources, virtual consultations, and solid partnerships with community organizations throughout Montgomery County."”
Protecting Rights and Ensuring Fairness
To protect the rights of all parties in probate and estate process, with strong focus on safeguarding seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers from exploitation while ensuring fair and equitable outcomes
“"Protecting Rights and Ensuring Fairness: To protect the rights of all parties in the probate and estate process, with a strong focus on safeguarding seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers from exploitation while ensuring fair and equitable outcomes."”
Providing Resources for Efficient Operations
To work with elected officials, community stakeholders, and government agencies to make sure the office has adequate funding and resources dedicated towards faster processing times, shorter waits, and improved service for probate and estate matters
“"Providing Resources for Efficient Operations: To work with elected officials, community stakeholders, and government agencies to make sure the office has adequate funding and resources dedicated towards faster processing times, shorter waits, and improved service for probate and estate matters."”
Bethesda Magazine reports Ebel raised more than $22,000 in campaign funds for the June Democratic primary race as of February 2026. She is competing against Paul Dollahite, former administrator of Montgomery County Orphans' Court who was appointed to replace Griffin, and Silver Spring attorney Alan Bowser. No Republicans have filed to run as of early February 2026.
“"Protecting Rights and Ensuring Fairness: To protect the rights of all parties in the probate and estate process, with a strong focus on safeguarding seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers from exploitation while ensuring fair and equitable outcomes."”
Source“"I believe in the power of community. I look forward to meeting you at a county forum, town hall, or a grassroots event in your neighborhood to discuss important topics related to the probate and estate planning processes in Montgomery County."”
Source