Howard County Circuit Court Filing Rules

A custody or visitation order based on a parent's deployment must require reasonable accommodation of the deployment leave schedule, contact opportunities with the child, and timely leave-schedule information to the other parent.

Interrogatories and requests are due 46 days before the merits event in Track 2 and 46 days before the settlement conference in Tracks 3 and 4.

Vacation scheduled before an event date is set is good cause if the request is made within 10 calendar days after notification; vacation scheduled after a date is established is not good cause.

If service remains incomplete despite the petitioner’s diligent attempts, parties should contact the guardianship case manager.

Copies will be either e-served or mailed to any served party and counsel not present.

Fees for family law services may be waived or the court may request pro bono service; Parenting Seminar providers may be contacted directly about a waiver or sliding-scale fee.

Account number (last 4 digits only)

Counsel and other registered MDEC users must electronically file postponement requests, except requests for family law scheduling/status conferences and telephone scheduling conferences.

The parties must provide a courtesy copy to the CCMO when filing a stipulation or notice of dismissal to finalize a settlement and close the case.