Family Law – Frederick - Filing Requirements

 

Hearings    Orders

 

Fees:     Court Fees     Sheriff’s Fees     Fee Waivers

Forms:     Distribution     Assistance     Domestic Case Management (DCM) Forms    

Child Support Worksheets     Notarization     Emergency Hearings

 

Fees

Court Fees

Uncontested Divorce Master Fee: $150

Is this fee paid to the Master?: Yes

Pro Se filing fee: $105

Filing fee with an attorney: $115

Post-judgment filing fee: $25/writ

 

Sheriff’s Fees

Sheriff’s fee for service: $40

Reissuance of Summons: No additional fee.

 

Fee Waivers

While the master’s fees can be waived, the sheriff’s fee for service is not waiveable.

 

Forms

Distribution

The most reliable source of family court forms is the Administrative Office of the Courts, Family Services Division, which provides the most recent versions of forms for pro se litigants through their website. Forms are also available from the clerk’s office and the pro se clinic.

 

Forms Assistance for Pro Se Litigants

A Pro Se Clinic is available to assist pro se litigants with the forms. The clinic operates Tuesdays, 8:30am to 4pm.

 

If you are considering filing for custody in Maryland, there is a new online tool which will walk you though a series of questions and ask you to provide information. At the end of the process, you will have the appropriate Maryland Domestic Relation forms for custody, filled out and read to print.

 

Domestic Case Management (DCM) Forms

DCM forms are required in cases where parties are represented and when parties are pro se.

 

Child Support Worksheets/Guidelines

Worksheets and guidelines are available from the clerk’s office. They are also available on the Department of Human Resources website. 

 

Notarization

Forms do not need to be notarized.

 

Emergency Hearing (Pro Se Litigants)

The litigant needs to file a complaint, complete a request for trial and have the certificate of service.

 

Source: A joint project of the Women’s Law Center and MLAN, along with interviews conducted with Family Law Court Coordinators, court clerks and local advocates practicing in this county.  Updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).

 

Date of Last Review: 10/3/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)