Family Law – Charles County – 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 Examiner Fee: $95

Is this fee paid to the Examiner?: Yes

Masters Fee?: None

Pro Se filing fee: $115

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

Prepayment of court and Examiner’s fees may be waived, but Sheriff’s fees may not.

 

 

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 Family Law Clinic, Monday – Friday, 9am-12pm.

 

Forms Assistance for Pro Se Litigants

Litigants who need help with the forms are referred to the County Bar Association, the Family Law Hotline and the clinic.

 

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 not required, although they are encouraged, in both pro se and cases where parties are represented.

 

Child Support Worksheets/Guidelines

These are available from the clerk’s office, the family law clinic and from the Department of Human Resources’ website.

 

Notarization

Some, but not all, forms require notarization. Please contact the Clerk’s Office to find out the most current requirements.

 

Emergency Hearing (Pro Se Litigants)

A pro se litigant should submit a request in writing to the clerk’s office. In the opinion of courthouse personnel, it is more likely that they will be able to have a hearing the same day they file if they have assistance from an attorney.

 

 

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.)