About Byron

Byron was first elected Register of Wills for Howard County in 2010, defeating a six-term incumbent and becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ elected official in county history. During his tenure, he’s been recognized as an effective manager, an innovative reformer, and a committed advocate for making probate as efficient, inexpensive, and equitable as possible for Maryland families.

A county native, he attended Howard County public schools. He attended the University of Maryland College Park, and the University of Baltimore School of Law. He is also a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Byron credits his education in Howard County public schools for inspiring his passion for public service. Over nearly two decades, he’s experienced working in county, state, and federal government. From 2004 to 2006, Byron served as Legislative Director to Delegate Peter Franchot, now the Comptroller of Maryland. In 2006, he was elected to serve on the Howard County Democratic Central Committee. And in 2016 Byron was a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, where he had the privilege to vote for Hillary Clinton to be the first woman nominee of a major party for President.

As someone who deeply values community involvement, Byron has been an active member of the Howard County and Maryland State Bar Associations, as well as numerous national, state, and local civil rights advocacy groups. He’s given dozens of presentations on wills and probate, taught law school, and volunteered for years in our public schools, helping children understand the importance of voting and making their voice heard.

Byron lives in Columbia with his rescue dog, Chief. In his free time, he enjoys hikes with Chief, biking on Columbia’s scenic pathways, and spending time with his mother, brother, sister, nephew, and two nieces.

(You can read Byron’s official biography here).

About the Office of Register of Wills

The Register of Wills is a public office established by Maryland’s Constitution. Each of Maryland's 23 counties and the City of Baltimore has a Register, who is elected by the voters in their jurisdiction during gubernatorial election years, to serve a four-year term.

Registers perform numerous duties for the public, including the following:

  • Appointing personal representatives (also known as “executors”) to administer estates of the deceased.

  • Overseeing these proceedings (called “probate”).

  • Assisting members of the public with preparing forms.

  • Auditing accounts of personal representatives and guardians.

  • Mailing various notices and court orders to interested persons.

  • Maintaining a permanent record of all proceedings.

  • Determining and collecting inheritance taxes and probate fees.

  • Providing a service for the safekeeping of wills of living persons

Registers have expanded the range of services offered online as public demand has increased and as the pandemic has demonstrated the benefits of providing greater access to information and services electronically. The Registers’ website includes the following:

  • All forms available in fillable .pdf format.

  • A searchable database of all estate proceedings in Maryland, including claims filed against estates.

  • Ability to download and view copies of documents instantly.

  • Guides, FAQs, and sample forms to help members of the public understand the probate process.

  • A searchable database of all printed legal notices.

  • Ability to pay taxes and fees online.

  • Helpful links to the MVA, IRS, Comptroller’s office, legal aid, and more.

(You can read more about the Office of the Register of Wills here).