Family Court - Allegany County

Filing Requirements    Orders

Hearings
Scheduling     Settlement Conferences     Length of Wait Before Hearing 
Emergency Hearings     Who Will Hear the Case

Hearings
Scheduling
Hearings are always scheduled after an answer is received from the defendant. 

Settlement Conferences
It is up to the judge's discretion whether settlement conferences are held, regardless of whether the parties are represented.

Length of Time to Get a Hearing
The length of time required to get a hearing varies on business of the docket.

Emergency Hearings - Pro Se Litigants
A litigant requesting an emergency hearing must fill out the emergency hearing form. It is not possible to have an emergency hearing the same day the request is filed because proof of service is required. A litigant may also file for an ex parte protective order.

Who Will Hear The Case
A hearing is generally sent to a Master for review before going to the judge. A Master can hear divorce, custody, visitation, juvenile, child support and alimony cases.



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.

Date of Last Review: 10/7/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)