Family Court - Washington County

Hearings    Orders

Filing Requirements
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
Pro Se Filing Fee: $105
Filing Fee with and attorney: $115

Masters Fee:  None

Sheriff's Fees
$40

Fee Waivers
Fees for Sheriff: no

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 Family Court Coordinator or through the Clerk's Office.

Forms Assistance for Pro Se Litigants
There is sometimes an attorney in the courthouse to help with forms. Call the Family Court Coordinator for times. There are also 1-800 numbers available.

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.

DCM Forms
Required from pro se filers?: The clerk's office prefers them but will allow the litigant to file without them.
Required in cases with an attorney?: Yes.

Child Support Worksheets/Guidelines
DCM forms are NOT required.

Notarization
Forms do not need to be notarized.

Emergency Hearing (Pro Se Litigants)
There is no set procedure to request an emergency hearing. It is strongly suggested that you see an attorney. It is possible to see the judge the same day you make your request if your attorney makes a strong enough case that your case is an emergency.

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: 10/2/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)