Family Law Self Help Center (2024)

LOCATION: South Tower 1^st Floor, Rm 1500

PHONE: 240-777-9145

If you begin a case as the plaintiff, or are brought into a case as a defendant, and you do not have a lawyer representing you, then you are "pro se;" that is, you are representing yourself, and you are responsible for navigating the court system, following its rules and time deadlines, and learning what you need to do to reach your goals. Without a lawyer, no one is going to do this for you.

The Family Law Self-Help Center is a FREE walk-in clinic, staffed by attorneys, that provides either general legal information or limited legal advice in family law disputes involving divorce, custody, visitation, guardianship, and child support. The Self-Help Center can help determine which family law forms are the most appropriate, help with the completion of the forms, provide information on how to navigate the system, and explain the law in general.

Please note that whether you receive advice, help with forms, or general information that applies to everyone, will depend first on your income eligibility using established state-wide income guidelines, and second, on the complexity of your case. You will still be responsible for paying all fees and costs associated with your case.

Cases we can help you with

The Family Law Self-Help Center assists individuals who want to represent themselves in SIMPLE family matters only.

Assistance we cannot provide

If the family law matter is too complex, or otherwise inappropriate for the Center (e.g., domestic violence, exceptions, emergency petitions, contested matters, or complex property or support issues), a staff attorney will attempt to refer the client to an appropriate agency or program. Individuals with contested or complex cases should retain their own attorneys.

The Family Law Self Help Center is NOT a Substitute for an Attorney

For example, Center attorneys:

• DO NOT represent clients.
• DO NOT file paperwork for clients.
• DO NOT go to court with clients or help them try their cases.
• DO NOT call, write letters, or otherwise communicate with opposing parties, attorneys, or judges.
• DO NOT help individuals who already have an attorney.
• DO NOT assist with discovery.
• DO NOT draft or review separation agreements.

Self-representation is not for everyone! If you have questions about processing the forms or are unsure about whether it is wise to handle your case without a lawyer:

1. Contact an attorney
2. Visit the free walk-in Family Law Self-Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I serve my opposing party?

Service of Process in the Circuit Court | Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov)

• What is “discovery”?

Discovery | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• Am I required to respond to my opponent’s discovery requests?

Circuit Court Discovery - Frequently Asked Questions | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• How do I reply to interrogatories?

Discovery - Interrogatories | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• How do I reply to requests for production of documents?

Circuit Court Discovery - Requests for Production | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• How can I object to certain discovery requests?

Circuit Court Discovery - Answers and Objections | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• How do I file for custody of my child?

Child Custody in Maryland | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• What is a Parenting Plan?

Parenting Plan | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• Can I file for custody of my grandchild, brother or sister?

Grandparent and Non-Parents Visitation and Custody Rights | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• Can I modify custody or visitation?

Child Custody in Maryland | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• What do I do if the other parent is not following the custody order?

Child Custody in Maryland | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• What can I do if the other parent is not paying child support?

Enforcement & Collection of Child Support | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• How do I get by property back from my former partner if we were never married?

Replevin and Detinue Actions in Maryland Courts | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• Are there other property or support rights I may have from my former partner if we were never married?

Unmarried Cohabitants' Right to Support and Property | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• What is divorce mediation?

Divorce Mediation | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• Am I entitled to alimony in my divorce case?

Alimony in Maryland | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• How do I enforce a judgment I received in my divorce case?

Enforcing Orders | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• How do I file for guardianship of an adult disabled person?

Adult Guardianship | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• Should I file for guardianship or custody of a minor?

Guardianship of a Minor - Frequently Asked Questions | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

Guardianship of a Minor | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org)

• Is there a way to shield my address if I have been a victim of domestic violence?

https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/court-forms/courtforms/joint/ccdc053.pdf/ccdc053.pdf

• Is there a way to limit inspection of the financial information that I provide for child support, alimony or other financial issues:

https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/court-forms/mdj008.pdf

• Where can I try to find a lawyer to represent me in court?

Finding Legal Help | Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov)

• How do I write up a separation agreement?

Separation Agreements

• Is there such a thing as a legal separation?

Overview of Divorce in Maryland

• How do I calculate child support?
• Calculating Child Support
• Calculating Child Support in Split Custody Cases
• Child Support Checklist
• How do I get my name on my child’s birth certificate?

Correcting or changing the name on a Maryland birth certificate

ATTENTION ATTORNEYS: The Family Law Self-Help Center Needs Your Help!

The Family Law Self-Help Center is looking for attorneys to volunteer to help self-representing individuals in family law matters with legal information and/or legal advice.

You can help in one of two ways:

1. Impromptu Volunteering: If you happen to be at the courthouse and have a little time to spare, stop by and see one, or maybe two, clients. We almost always have a backlog of clients waiting to be seen during lunch hours (12:00 pm-2:00 pm), and could use your assistance.
2. Scheduled Volunteering: If you have more time to spare, or prefer a more structured arrangement, please email Anne Hurwitz, or stop by and consult with the Family Law Self-Help Center staff. We can let you know when the Center will be shorthanded and can most use your valuable assistance.

Please be assured that you are under no obligation to take anyone on as a client.

Family Law Self Help Center service hours can be reported as Pro Bono hours to the Court of Appeals.