Self Help (Pro Se) Program Directory for People's Law Library

Name of Program: Alternative Directions, Inc. - Family Law Outreach to Prisoners

Brief Description of the Program: This program conducts civil legal workshops at Maryland prisons and jails. This program can help you to represent yourself in court. They will provide forms and instructions designed to help you with legal problems such as no-fault divorce and child support.

Where and When: Baltimore City Women's Detention Center: Every Monday 9am - 11pm
                              Hagerstown Correction Facilities: Every 3rd Friday 9am - 11 pm at one of the following:    
                                       Roxbury Correctional Facility
                                       Maryland Correctional Institute of Hagerstown
                                       Maryland Correctional Training Center
                              Western Correctional Facility - Cumberland: Every 3rd Friday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
                      Eastern Correctional Institute- monthly, TBA (when director and prison representative agree is appropriate)

Telephone Appointment Needed? Yes [ ] No [X]   There is a waiting list

Call-in Service? Yes [ ] No [X] 

Type of Legal Problems Handled by this Program: The agency assists with simple, uncontested no-fault divorces, child support modification (for incarcerated individuals only), and provides general information provided regarding name change, paternity, visitation and custody.

Types of Help That This Program Offers: This program offers one-on-one in-person or by phone assistance in the preparation of forms, general information, referrals, and one workshop per month in each prison, including an initial screening for legal problems. The program uses its own forms, which generally follow the standard Domestic Relations forms supplied by the Clerk of the Court. The program will materials to its clients.

Are there income requirements for service? No fess apply while an individual is incarcerated.  Upon release, $50 administrative fee may apply.  Court cost may be applicable; however the court generally waives these fees.

Administrative Project Location: Alternative Directions, Inc.
Street Address: 2505 N. Charles Street
City: Baltimore, Maryland
County: Zip Code: 21218

Project Director or Contact Person: Mary Joel Davis

Telephone Number: 410-889-5072

Source:  MLAN Survey of Providers                                                                                                    Last review (No Legal Content) 7/7/04 (MLAN/GG)