Maryland Self Help and Legal Research
This page provides information about Self Help and Legal Research resources in Maryland.
Links are grouped by those that cover courts statewide, for multiple counties, and then by individual county.
Maryland - Statewide Courts Self Help
Housing Case Information
View information about landlord/tenant and foreclosure cases in Maryland courts, with links to forms, brochures, and additional online resources.
District Court Traffic Cases
View information about traffic cases in Maryland District Courts, including plea options, fine payments, types of citations, court procedure, and records.
District Court Self-Help
View information about available services for self-represented parties in civil cases at the District Court Self-Help Center, including a live chat service.
Small Claims
View information about small claims cases in Maryland District Courts, including monetary limit, filing instructions, mediation, case procedure, and collecting a judgment.
Child Support Services
The Maryland Department of Human Resources offers information and services related to child support, including answers to frequently asked questions, how to start a child support case, child support enforcement, paternity, interstate cases, and contact information for local offices.
District Court Alternative Dispute Resolution
View information about Maryland District Courts Alternative Dispute Resolution programs, which include mediation and settlement conferences and can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial.
Estates and Wills Information
View general information about wills, estates, and personal representatives. Click on the publications tab to download pamphlets, booklets, and sample guides.
Free Mediation Services
View a directory of Community Mediation Centers in Maryland offering free mediation services, organized by county.
District Court Self-Help Brochures
View and download brochures in English or Spanish about types of District Court cases, including small claims, collecting a judgment, landlord-tenant, criminal, family, domestic violence, interpreters, mediation, traffic, and transcripts.
Domestic Violence Information
View information for victims of domestic violence, including instructions for obtaining a protective order or peace order, links to shelters and other resources, and hotlines.
Expungement Information
Find instructions and forms for expunging records from court, police, and motor vehicle files.
Family Law Resources
View Maryland Circuit Court family law resources, including Family Services Programs, self-help centers, and additional online resources. Links to local programs, self-help centers, and pro se (self-represented) assistance are provided. Links to family law forms and publications about child support are on the left side of the page.
Glossary of Legal Terms
Find definitions of commonly used legal terms.
State Statutes and Rules
Search the Maryland Code, Constitution, and court rules by keyword, or browse by table of contents.
Senior Legal Issues Resources
The Maryland Attorney General offers a free consumer guide that can be downloaded or ordered, and additional information on topics of interest to seniors, including financial exploitation, telemarketing fraud, nursing homes, and end-of-life care.
Foreclosure Prevention Help
The HOPE Initiative offers information and resources for homeowners facing foreclosure, including Attorney General settlement, counseling, mediation, an online research library, a foreclosure prevention workshop, and a toll-free hotline.
Attorney General Legal Information
The Maryland Attorney General offers legal information on a variety of legal topics, including consumer issues, health policy, business, and more. An advance directive (living will) form is included.
District Court Criminal Cases
View information about criminal cases in Maryland District Courts, including how to file a criminal complaint, case procedure, and expungement of criminal records.
Victim Help
The Maryland Attorney General offers information about services available to crime victims, with links to the Victim Services page of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, The Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, and the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention which has victims' rights brochures and forms.
Consumer Protection
The Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division offers instructions and forms for filing a consumer complaint, answers to frequently asked questions, consumer tips and publications, and information about mediation and arbitration, identity theft, home construction, vehicles, recalls, health, and other consumer issues.
State Bar Legal Information
The Maryland State Bar Association offers brochures on a variety of legal topics including senior issues, consumer, family, employment, health benefits, juvenile court, lawyers, traffic, arrest, and wills and estates.
Legal Research Topics
The People's Law Library of Maryland offers information about various legal topics including consumer, criminal, domestic violence, education, employment, family law, benefits, health, housing, motor vehicles, senior issues, wills and estates, youth law, court procedure, forms, case filing, and more. An ask-a-librarian service by e-mail is also available.
Family Law Information
View information about family law case types, including adoption, child custody and support, divorce, and name changes.
Juvenile Delinquency
View information about juvenile delinquency cases, including diversion programs, court procedure, and the right to a lawyer.
Mediation Information
View information about mediation, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial. Links to additional resources and rosters of approved mediators are also provided.
State Law Library
View information about the Maryland State Law Library, including location, hours, an online catalog, available materials and services, links to legal research resources and local law libraries, and an Ask-a-Librarian service by telephone and e-mail.
Orphans' Court Information
View answers to frequently asked questions about Orphans' Court, including types of cases handled and procedure for probate, wills, estate administration, and guardianship of minors.
Business and Technology Mediators
View a list of qualified mediators for the Maryland Business and Technology Case Management Program, with contact information and jurisdictions served.
Tax Court Rules and Procedures
View the rules and procedures of the Maryland Tax Court.
Juvenile Record Expungement
View information about expungement of juvenile records in Maryland Circuit Courts.
Allegany County - Courts Self Help Resources
Allegany County Circuit Court Family Services
View information about family service programs provided by Allegany County Circuit Court, including pro se assistance, parenting seminars, and mediation.
Anne Arundel County - Courts Self Help Resources
Anne Arundel County Adoptions and Guardianships
View information about adoptions and guardianships in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, with a link to the annual fiduciary report form for guardians.
Anne Arundel County Adult Drug Treatment Court
View information about the Anne Arundel County Adult Drug Treatment Court, a program in Circuit Court that can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Alternative Dispute Resolution
View information about the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Civil Non-Family Cases
View information about Anne Arundel County Circuit Court civil non-family cases and discovery guidelines.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Family Law Cases
View information about Anne Arundel County Circuit Court family law cases, including discovery guidelines, answers to frequently asked questions, programs and services including the Family Law Self Help Center, parenting education, and emergency requests.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Postponement and Telephone Hearing Requests
View instructions for requesting a postponement or making your court appearance by telephone in some types of civil hearings in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Anne Arundel County Landlord/Tenant Issues
The Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office offers information about procedures in landlord/tenant cases, including delinquent rent, lease violations, eviction, and mortgage foreclosures.
Anne Arundel County Law Library
View information about the Anne Arundel County Law Library, including an online catalog, available materials and services, legal research links, and links to self-help and legal assistance resources.
Anne Arundel County Protective and Peace Orders
The Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office offers information about protective orders and peace orders, with application instructions and a description of the process.
Anne Arundel County Teen Court
View information about Anne Arundel County Teen Court, an alternative court by peers for young offenders.
Baltimore County - Courts Self Help Resources
Baltimore County Circuit Court Civil Mediation
View information about the Civil Mediation Program offered through Baltimore County Circuit Court, including forms and a roster of court-approved mediators.
Baltimore County Circuit Court Family Division
View information about the family division of the Baltimore County Circuit Court, including case management, links to forms, self-help office and workshop, settlement and contempt conferences, support services, visitation, parent education, mediation, juvenile court mediation, Juvenile Drug Court, Family Recovery Court, and additional family law resources.
Baltimore County Juvenile Drug Court
View information about the Baltimore County Juvenile Drug Court Program, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders, and may lead to dismissal of charges.
Baltimore County Law Library
View information about the Baltimore County Circuit Court Law Library, including location, hours, a searchable online catalog, available materials and services, and additional online legal research resources. Links are in the left column.
Baltimore County Orphans' Court Information
View information about Baltimore County Orphans'Court, including types of cases heard.
Baltimore County Orphans' Court Mediation
View information about Baltimore County Orphans' Court estate mediation, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial. Links to an application form and brochure are included.
Baltimore County Restraining Orders
The Baltimore County State's Attorney Office offers information about domestic violence restraining orders, including application instructions, the effects of the order, and consequences of violation.
Baltimore County Victim/Witness Help
The Baltimore County State Attorney Office offers information about services available to crime victims and witnesses, including referrals, help with compensation and restitution, and case notifications. Links to information about witness preparation for trial, a glossary of legal terms, and additional support resources are in the left column.
Calvert County - Courts Self Help Resources
Calvert County Circuit Court Family Services
View information about family service programs provided by Calvert County Circuit Court, including mediation, parenting seminars, anger management, support education for children, home studies, visitation, mental health evaluations, substance abuse screening and treatment, domestic violence intervention, and fee waivers.
Calvert County Circuit Court Foreclosure Help
View information about foreclosure resources offered by Calvert County Circuit Court, including mediation, fee waivers, and links to state resources.
Calvert County Circuit Court Information
View answers to frequently asked questions about Calvert County Circuit Court, including civil, family, juvenile, foreclosure, criminal, and more.
Calvert County Circuit Court Pro Se Information
View information for self-represented litigants in Calvert County Circuit Court.
Calvert County Law Library
View information about the Calvert County Circuit Court Law Library, including location, hours, available materials and services, and additional online legal research resources.
Calvert County Mediation
The Community Mediation Center of Calvert County offers information about its mediation services, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial.
Calvert County Protective Orders
View information about peace and protective orders in Calvert County, with instructions for filing.
Caroline County - Courts Self Help Resources
Caroline County Circuit Court Family Services
View information about the Caroline County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including parenting classes, mediation, paternity testing, substance abuse screening, home studies, psychological evaluations, and legal assistance.
Carroll County - Courts Self Help Resources
Carroll County Circuit Court Family Law Services
View information about family law services available through Carroll County Circuit Court Family Law Administration, including referrals, self-help information, legal assistance, the court process, mediation, visitation services, custody evaluation, and domestic violence protective orders.
Carroll County Drug Treatment Court
View information about Carroll County Drug Treatment Court, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders.
Carroll County Law Library
View information about the Carroll County Law Library, including location, hours, available services, an online catalog, and links to additional legal research resources.
Cecil County - Courts Self Help Resources
Cecil County Adult Drug Treatment Court
View information about Cecil County Adult Drug Treatment Court, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders. Links to detailed information, forms, and a participant handbook are included.
Cecil County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Cecil County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including parenting seminars, mediation, custody, visitation, crisis intervention, and legal assistance.
Cecil County Orphans' Court Information
View information about Cecil County Orphans' Court, including types of cases handled and appeals. A glossary of relevant terms is also provided.
Cecil County State's Attorney Information, Programs, and Services
The Cecil County State's Attorney's Office offers information about the court system, juvenile court and restitution, mediation, and victim services. Links are in the left column.
Charles County - Courts Self Help Resources
Charles County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Charles County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including alternative dispute resolution, custody, visitation, referrals, and domestic violence protection information.
Charles County Law Library
View information about the Charles County Law Library, including location, hours, available resources, and an online catalog.
Charles County State's Attorney Information
The Charles County State's Attorney's Office offers information about the criminal process, answers to frequently asked questions, and information for crime victims and witnesses. Links are in the left column.
Charles County Teen Court
View information about Charles County Teen Court, an alternative court of peer review for young offenders.
Charles County Victim Help
The Charles County Sheriff's Office offers information about its services for crime victims, including the Local Crime Victims Fund, victims' rights, victim notification, and instructions for obtaining a peace or protective order.
City of Baltimore County - Courts Self Help Resources
Baltimore Business and Technology Case Management Program
View information about the Business and Technology Case Management Program in Baltimore City Circuit Court, a specialized program that handles complex civil cases that involve business or technology issues.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Civil Alternative Dispute Resolution
View information about Baltimore City Circuit Court civil alternative dispute resolution, which includes mediation and settlement conferences, and can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Criminal Information
View information about criminal cases in Baltimore City Circuit Court, including court appearances, therapeutic courts, practices and procedures, discovery, motions, and misdemeanor jury trials.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Domestic Violence Protective Orders
View information about obtaining a protective order in domestic violence cases in Baltimore City Circuit Court. Links to additional resources and safety planning are also provided.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Family Law Procedures
View a description of family law case procedures in Baltimore City Circuit Court, including complaint, summons, answer, mediation, conferences, and trial. Information about legal assistance, parenting seminars, referrals, adoption and custody, and medical services is also provided.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Programs and Services
View information about programs and services of Baltimore City Circuit Court, including Drug Court, Mental Health Court, a Medical Services Division that provides psychiatric and psychological evaluations, the Community Services Program that provides alternatives to incarceration, Addiction Assessment, and appointment of interpreters.
Baltimore City Criminal Case Information
The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office provides to frequently asked questions about criminal cases.
Baltimore City Domestic Violence and Protective Orders
View information about domestic violence, including available help and resources, and instructions for obtaining a protective order. Links are in the menu on the left side of the page.
Baltimore City Housing Court Information
The Baltimore Housing Authority Code Enforcement Legal Section offers information about Housing Court, a part of Baltimore City District Court that hears landlord-tenant and other housing cases.
Baltimore City Mental Health Court Information
View an informational brochure about Baltimore City Mental Health Court, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders.
Baltimore City Victim and Witness Help
The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office offers information about services available to crime victims and witnesses, including tips for testifying, victims' rights, victim impact statements, intimidation, and links to additional online resources.
Dorchester County - Courts Self Help Resources
Dorchester County Circuit Court Family Support Services
Learn about various family support services offered by Dorchester County Circuit Court, including counseling, drug and alcohol testing and treatment, home studies, mediation, parenting seminar, a self-help clinic, and visitation.
Dorchester County Truancy Reduction Program
View information about the Truancy Reduction Program offered through the juvenile division of Dorchester County Circuit Court.
Frederick County - Courts Self Help Resources
City of Frederick Red Light Camera Information
View information about the City of Frederick red light camera program, with answers to frequently asked questions and a list of camera locations.
City of Frederick Speed Camera Information
View information about the City of Frederick speed monitoring program, with answers to frequently asked questions and a list of camera locations.
Frederick County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Frederick County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including the Self-Help Law Center, seminars, mediation, attorney for minor children, conferences, and visitation.
Frederick County Drug Treatment Court
View information about the Frederick County Drug Treatment Court, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders. Links to the Policy and Procedures Manual and Participant Handbook are in the left column.
Frederick County Law Library
View information about the Frederick County Circuit Court Law Library, including location, hours, available services, and links to additional online legal research resources.
Frederick County Victim Help
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office offers information about services available to crime victims, victim's rights, domestic violence, peace and protective orders, and victims' compensation.
Harford County - Courts Self Help Resources
Harford County Circuit Court Family Services and Programs
View information about family services and programs available through Harford County Circuit Court, including alternative dispute resolution, pro se assistance, parenting seminars, facilitated visitation, parent reunification, referrals, and investigations.
Harford County Circuit Court Mediators
View a list of mediators for Harford County Circuit Court, with contact information.
Harford County Drug Courts
View information about Harford County Adult Drug Court and Juvenile Drug Court, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders.
Harford County Law Library
View information about Harford County Law Library, including location, hours, and available materials and services.
Harford County Mediation
View information about the Harford County Mediation Program, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial. Links to additional information and resources are in the left column.
Harford County Victim Assistance
The Harford County Sheriff's Office offers information about its Victim Services Unit, which provides crisis intervention, referrals, and court accompaniment to crime victims.
Harford County Victim/Witness Help
The Harford County State's Attorney's Office offers information about services available to crime victims and witnesses, including case status notification, return of property, victim impact statements, restitution, compensation, and an explanation of the court process.
Howard County - Courts Self Help Resources
Howard County Circuit Court Alternative Dispute Resolution
View information about civil non-domestic alternative dispute resolution in Howard County Circuit Court, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial. Links to rosters of approved mediators and facilitators, forms, and instructions are included.
Howard County Circuit Court Family Law Programs and Services
View information about family law programs and services offered by Howard County Circuit Court Family Law Office, including scheduling conferences, mediation, parenting seminars, custody evaluation. and parenting coordinators.
Howard County Domestic Violence Help
HopeWorks, formerly the Domestic Violence Center, provides telephone helplines, shelter, counseling, legal services, and other resources for victims of domestic violence.
Howard County Law Library
View information about the Howard County Law Library, including location, hours, available materials and services, and free legal help for civil and family cases.
Howard County Victim-Witness Help
The Howard County State's Attorney's Office offers information and services to crime victims and witnesses, including a Victim Advocate, court accompaniment, victims' rights, impact statements, restitution, and referrals.
Kent County - Courts Self Help Resources
Kent County Circuit Court Family Services
View information about Kent County Circuit Court family programs and services, including mediation, settlement conferences, legal services, parent seminars, attorneys for children, visitation, home studies, counseling, and more.
Montgomery County - Courts Self Help Resources
Montgomery County Circuit Court Civil Department
View information about procedures in Montgomery County Circuit Court Civil Department, including types of cases, basic procedure, and instructions for filing a case.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Family Department
View information about procedures in Montgomery County Circuit Court Family Department, including adoptions, name changes, divorce, paternity, child support, child custody and visitation, and spousal support.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Family Division Services
View information about Montgomery County Circuit Court Family Division Services, including adult guardianships, attorneys for children, parenting coordinators and classes, custody mediation and assessments, answers to frequently asked questions, and a glossary of terms.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Guardianship
View information about guardianships for the disabled, minors, and fiduciary estates administered by the Montgomery County Circuit Court Trust Office.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Juvenile Division
View information about procedures in Montgomery County Circuit Court Juvenile Division, including types of cases, basic procedure, record expungement, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Mediation
View information about mediation services in Montgomery County Circuit Court, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial. Links to forms are included.
Montgomery County Criminal Procedure
The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office offers information about criminal procedure, including working with the police, victims and witnesses, subpoenas, sentencing, and plea bargains.
Montgomery County Domestic Violence Resources
View information about resources available to victims of domestic violence in Montgomery County, including the Montgomery County Family Justice Center, protective and peace orders, and links to additional resources.
Montgomery County Drug Court
View information about Montgomery County Circuit Court Adult Drug Court, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders. Links to forms and the Participant Handbook are included.
Montgomery County Estate Administration
View and download a guide to the administration of estates in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Law Library
View information about the Montgomery County Circuit Court Law Library, including location, hours, available materials and services, and an online catalog.
Montgomery County Probate Mediation
View information about probate mediation services offered in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Teen Court
View information about Montgomery County Teen Court, an alternative peer review court for young offenders.
Montgomery County Victim Help
The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office offers information about victims' rights, the Abused Persons Program for victims of domestic violence, protective and peace orders including application instructions, and a link to the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program.
Prince George's County - Courts Self Help Resources
Prince George's County Circuit Court Family Court Information
View information about parenting classes and answers to frequently asked questions about family cases in Prince George's County Circuit Court.
Prince George's County Circuit Court Family Services
View information about family services available in Prince George's County Circuit Court, including the Family Division Information Center, paralegal help, free Family Law Orientation, mediation, and more.
Prince George's County Community Mediation
View information about Prince George's County free community mediation services, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial.
Prince George's County Domestic Violence Help
The Family Crisis Center of Prince George's County offers information about domestic violence and its prevention, services for victims, information about protective orders and peace orders, and links to additional online resources.
Prince George's County Law Library
View information about the Prince George's County Circuit Court Law Library, including location, hours, an online catalog, available resources, and rules.
Prince George's County Teen Court
View information about Prince George's County Teen Court, an alternative peer review court for young offenders.
Prince George's County Victim/Witness Help
The Prince George's County State's Attorney's office offers information about its services to crime victims and witnesses, including the Victim/Witness Coordinator, explanation of trial procedure, victim impact statement, and victim notification.
Queen Anne's County - Courts Self Help Resources
Queen Anne's County Circuit Court Alternative Dispute Resolution
View information about alternative dispute resolution in in Queen Anne's County Circuit Court, which can help parties resolve disputes without going to trial. A list of approved mediators is included.
Queen Anne's County Circuit Court Family Support Services
View information about family support services provided by Queen Anne's County Circuit Court, including the Family Law Assistance Clinic, custody/visitation mediation, parenting seminars, home studies, substance abuse assessments, mental health evaluations, and more.
Queen Anne's County Teen Court
View information about Queen Anne's County Teen Court, an alternative court for young offenders.
Queen Anne's County Victim and Witness Help
The Queen Anne's County State's Attorney's Office offers information about its services for crime victims and witnesses.
Somerset County - Courts Self Help Resources
Somerset County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Somerset County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including parenting classes, custody/visitation mediation, support/alimony mediation, domestic violence intervention, home studies, court appointed attorney for minor children, substance abuse evaluation, supervised visitation, the Self Help Family Law Clinic, Child Advocacy Center, and juvenile programs.
Somerset County Circuit Court Truancy Reduction Program
View information about the Truancy Reduction Program in Somerset County Circuit Court.
St. Marys County - Courts Self Help Resources
St. Mary's County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the St. Mary's County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including custody/visitation mediation, relationship intervention, parenting education, supervised visitation, custody and psychological evaluations, referrals, Self Help Legal Clinic, and more.
St. Mary's County Teen Court
View information about St. Mary's County Teen Court, an alternative peer review court for young offenders.
Talbot County - Courts Self Help Resources
Talbot County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Talbot County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including parenting education, supervised visitation, legal clinics with volunteer lawyers, custody/visitation mediation, and family services fee waivers.
Washington County - Courts Self Help Resources
Washington County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Washington County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including a legal advice clinic, parenting seminars, custody evaluations, attorneys for children, mental health assessments, parent coordination, mediation, supervised visitation, and substance abuse evaluation.
Washington County Domestic Violence Information
The Washington County Sheriff's Office offers information about domestic violence, safety tips, and a list of domestic violence resources with contact information.
Washington County Victim/Witness Help
The Washington County State's Attorney's Office offers information about the court process, day of trial instructions for witnesses, resources for victims including impact statement and restitution, and an online form to update your contact information.
Wicomico County - Courts Self Help Resources
Wicomico County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Wicomico County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including parenting seminars, mediation, supervised visitation, free settlement assistance and legal advice from volunteer attorneys, domestic violence and assault counseling, child support, and more.
Worcester County - Courts Self Help Resources
Worcester County Circuit Court Drug Courts
View information about Worcester County Circuit Court adult, juvenile, and family drug court programs, which can set up treatment in lieu of incarceration for some offenders.
Worcester County Circuit Court Family Services Program
View information about the Worcester County Circuit Court Family Services Program, including legal assistance for self-represented parties, parenting classes, custody/visitation mediation, support/alimony mediation, domestic violence intervention, home studies, court appointed attorney for children, supervised visitation, and more.
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