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Register of Wills · Harford 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 raceDerek K. Hopkins is a candidate for Register of Wills in Harford County who has spent over 12 years serving as the current Register of Wills and serves as Treasurer of the Maryland Register of Wills Association. He previously worked as a full-time auctioneer, appraiser, and third-generation real estate agent focused on estate services before being elected to office. Hopkins is a graduate of North Harford High School where he served in FFA and as Maryland State FFA Vice President, attended Virginia Tech with business management focus, Missouri Auction School, and Indiana University's Certified Auctioneer Institute. He has been an active volunteer firefighter for 23 years across multiple companies including Darlington Volunteer Fire Company and Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company where he currently serves as president. Hopkins is the founder of Char Hope Foundation which helps individuals fighting addiction, and his family farm in Darlington is now in preservation. He resides in Pylesville with his wife Katrina who has worked for Maryland's Court System for over 18 years, and their two children Tim and Emma.
Sources: Campaign website
I will continue to be in the office every day, working hard to provide the compassion and understanding for those who need help with filing estates.
We will continue to establish a Free Outreach Programs to help educate citizens about the office of Register of Wills and the other resources available to them such as attorneys, CPA's, funeral homes, and others, so that your questions can get answered.
I will continue to fight within my power of the Law to hold those responsible for not up holding their duties as the Personal Representative of the estate.
Source: derekhopkins.org
Free Outreach Programs
Establish free outreach programs to educate citizens about the Register of Wills office and available resources including attorneys, CPAs, funeral homes, and others so questions can be answered.
“We will continue to establish a Free Outreach Programs to help educate citizens about the office of Register of Wills and the other resources available to them such as attorneys, CPA's, funeral homes, and others”
Accountability
Hold those responsible accountable for not upholding their duties as Personal Representative of estates.
“I will continue to fight within my power of the Law to hold those responsible for not up holding their duties as the Personal Representative of the estate.”
Agriculture
Support saving the agricultural industry and farm preservation.
“Hopkins is a member of Harford County's Agricultural Advisory Board and is for saving the agricultural industry. The family farm is now in farm preservation.”
“We will continue to establish a Free Outreach Programs to help educate citizens about the office of Register of Wills and the other resources available to them”
Source“I will continue to fight within my power of the Law to hold those responsible for not up holding their duties as the Personal Representative of the estate.”
Source“His 8 year record of service to Harford County has shown him to be a fiscal conservative while promoting to the citizens of Harford County why it is important to have a Will”
Source“Hopkins is a member of Harford County's Agricultural Advisory Board and is for saving the agricultural industry. The family farm is now in farm preservation.”
Source“Founder of the Char Hope Foundation Inc; helping women in recovery. 23 years as an active Harford County Volunteer Fire Fighter.”
Source