Howard County Circuit Court Filing Timing and Cure Windows

CRITICAL

Emergency motions and petitions filed before 11:30 a.m. will be heard the same day; those filed after 11:30 a.m. will be heard the next business day.

All emergency motions/petitions filed before 11:30 a.m. will be heard the same day. All emergency motions/petitions filed after 11:30 a.m. will be heard the next business day.

CRITICALCivil cases

A settlement conference is to be held approximately 302 days after the complaint is filed.

A settlement conference shall be held approximately 302 days following the filing of the complaint.

CRITICALCivil cases

If settlement is not reached, a trial date is to be scheduled 30 to 90 days after the settlement conference—approximately 350 to 500 days after filing—or as calendars permit.

If a settlement is not reached at this time, attorneys/parties will be directed to the CCMO to obtain a trial date. The trial date shall be scheduled for 30 to 90 days thereafter, (approximately 350-500 days from filing of the complaint), or as calendars permit.

WARNINGCriminal cases

For Track 1 jury trial prayers, the settlement conference, including arraignment, is scheduled within 30 days of the jury prayer.

Set from District Court in JTPs within 30 days counsel) of jury prayer to include arraignment.

WARNING

As a goal to be met whenever possible, all CINA cases involving juveniles in a shelter should conclude within 30 days; resolution may take less time.

Consistent with the case time standards adopted by the Judicial Council, Constitutional requirements, and applicable Maryland Rules, it is the goal of this Plan to ensure that the following time standards are met whenever possible. Expected case duration is based on needed time to reach resolution, which may be less than the time standard.  Child in need of assistance (CINA) cases – 100% should be concluded within 30 days for juveniles that are in a shelter and within 60 days for juveniles that are not in a shelter;

WARNINGCivil cases

Track 2 final hearings are scheduled within 270 days after filing.

The final hearing in a track 2 case is scheduled within 270 days of filing.

WARNING

As a goal to be met whenever possible, 98% of juvenile delinquency cases should conclude within 90 days of filing; resolution may take less time.

Consistent with the case time standards adopted by the Judicial Council, Constitutional requirements, and applicable Maryland Rules, it is the goal of this Plan to ensure that the following time standards are met whenever possible. Expected case duration is based on needed time to reach resolution, which may be less than the time standard.  Juvenile delinquency cases – 98% should be concluded within 90 days of the filing date;

WARNINGCivil cases

Track 1 final hearings are scheduled within 120 days after filing.

Final hearing is scheduled within 120 days of filing.

WARNINGCivil cases

Track 4 cases are scheduled for a pendente lite hearing and settlement conference, with a final hearing scheduled within 335 days of filing after the settlement conference.

Track 4 cases are scheduled for a pendente lite hearing and a settlement conference. After the settlement conference, the final hearing is scheduled within 335 days of filing.

WARNINGCivil cases

Track 3 cases are scheduled for a settlement conference before a final hearing scheduled within 335 days of filing.

Track 3 cases are scheduled for a settlement conference and then a final hearing is scheduled within 335 days of filing.

WARNINGCivil cases

The plan sets a goal for 98% of cases to conclude within 12 months after filing.

98% should be concluded within 12 months of the filing date.

WARNINGCivil cases

The scheduling conference is scheduled 30–60 days after filing, and the case track is designated at the conference.

The conference is scheduled 30-60 days from the date of filing and the case track designation is made at the conference.

INFO

If a hearing or proceeding is postponed or continued, no new interpreter request is needed for the new date.

NOTICE: If a court hearing or proceeding is postponed or continued, you do not need to make a new interpreter request. An interpreter will be provided for the new hearing date.

CRITICALCivil cases

Deadline

48 hours

For an immediate-order recommendation, parties or counsel must contact CCMO within 48 hours to schedule a hearing if the Report and Recommendation is e-served or mailed; otherwise, they will be sent directly to a judge for a hearing.

When the magistrate recommends entry of an immediate order, the parties/attorneys will either be sent directly to a judge for a hearing on the immediate order, or if the Report and Recommendation is e-served/mailed, parties/counsel will be instructed to contact CCMO within 48 hours to schedule a hearing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must exchange a draft pretrial statement 239 days after the complaint is filed.

The Settlement Conference Order will direct parties to exchange draft pretrial statement 239 days following the filing of the complaint

CRITICALCivil cases

A court-appointed guardian of the property must file an Inventory and Information Report within 60 days of appointment.

Pursuant to Maryland Rule 10-707, a court appointed guardian of the property shall file an Inventory and Information Report within sixty (60) days has been appointed.

CRITICALCivil cases

The mediation deadline is 282 days after the complaint is filed.

The mediation deadline is 282 days following the filing of the complaint.

CRITICALCivil cases

The required annual report is to be submitted annually.

Guardians of the Person must submit an annual report fulfilling the requirements in compliance with Md. Rule 10-206 and Md. Cod Ann., Est. & Trusts § 13-708(b)(8)(i) (2019).

CRITICALCivil cases

Guardians of the property must complete and file the account annually within 60 days of their appointment anniversary, unless the court directs otherwise.

NOTE: Guardians of the property must complete and file this form each year within 60 days of the anniversary of their appointment or as the court otherwise directs.

CRITICALCivil cases

The final joint pretrial statement, witness lists, and exhibit list are to be filed 372 days after the complaint is filed.

The Settlement Conference Order will direct parties to exchange draft pretrial statement 365 days following the filing of the complaint and to file a final joint pretrial statement, witness lists, and a list of exhibits 372 days following the filing of the complaint.

CRITICALCivil cases

The Settlement Conference Order will set exchange of draft pretrial statements for 281 days after filing and filing of the final joint pretrial statement, witness lists, and exhibit list for 288 days after filing.

The Settlement Conference Order will direct parties to exchange draft pretrial statements 281 days following the filing of the complaint and to file a final joint pretrial statement, witness lists and a list of exhibits 288 days following the filing of the complaint.

CRITICALCivil cases

Guardians of the Property must file an initial inventory within 60 days of appointment.

Guardians of the Property must file an initial inventory within 60 days of the appointment.

CRITICALCivil cases

The scheduling table lists motions filing deadlines as 236, 287, 346, and 406 for Tracks 2 through 5, respectively.

Motions Filing Deadline 236 287 346 406

CRITICALCivil cases

The parties must exchange draft pretrial statements 400 days after the complaint is filed and file final joint pretrial statements, witness lists, and exhibit lists 407 days after filing.

The Settlement Conference Order will direct parties to exchange draft pretrial statement 400 days following the filing of the complaint and to file a final joint pretrial statement, witness lists and a list of exhibits 407 days following the filing of the complaint.

CRITICALCivil cases

The court may decide exceptions without a hearing unless a hearing is requested upon filing or the opposing party requests one within 10 days after service of the exceptions.

The court may rule on exceptions without a hearing, unless a hearing is requested upon filing, or by the opposing party within 10 days after service of the exceptions.

CRITICALCivil cases

Guardians of the Property must file an accounting annually.

Guardians of the Property must also file an annual accounting pursuant to Md. Rule 10-706.

CRITICALCivil cases

The guardian must file a Petition within 45 days after discovering grounds for termination.

The guardian shall file a Petition within 45 days after discovering the existence of grounds for termination.

CRITICALCivil cases

A motion to alter or amend a judgment must be filed within 10 days.

The parties have 10 days to file a motion to alter or amend a judgment (Md. Rule 2-534) or to request review by a three-judge panel (Md. Rule 2-551); and 30 days to file an appeal.

CRITICALCivil cases

A deadline under the Plan that falls on a weekend, court holiday, or court closure is extended to the next court day.

In compliance with Md. Rule 1-203(a) (1), if any date by which action is due under this Plan falls on a Saturday, Sunday, court holiday, or other date of court closure, the date to complete such action shall be extended to the next court day.

CRITICAL

The adjudication date is set within 60 days after the petition is filed.

At the arraignment/initial appearance, the respondent and his/her parents, guardian or custodian are served with the summons, the petition for continued detention/shelter care, advised of the charges, advised of his/her right to an attorney, and given a date for adjudication (within 60 days from the filing of the petition).

CRITICALCivil cases

Deadline for Filing Amended Pleadings 188 219 278 338

Deadline for Filing Amended Pleadings 188 219 278 338

CRITICALCivil cases

A court-appointed property guardian must file an accounting each year within 60 days after the accounting year ends.

Pursuant to Maryland Rule 10-706(b), a court-appointed guardian of the property shall file an accounting (also referred to as the "Fiduciary Report" or "Annual Accounting") each year within sixty (60) days of the end of the accounting year.

CRITICALCivil cases

A party may file exceptions within 10 days after the magistrate’s recommendations are placed on the record or served.

a party may file exceptions to a magistrate’s recommendations within 10 days after the recommendations are placed on the record or served.

CRITICALCivil cases

The report is due each year within 60 days of appointment, unless the court directs otherwise.

Guardians of the property must complete and file this form each year within 60 days of appointment or as the court otherwise directs.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must file the final joint pretrial statement, witness lists, and exhibit list 246 days after the complaint is filed.

The Settlement Conference Order will direct parties to exchange draft pretrial statement 239 days following the filing of the complaint and to file a final joint pretrial statement, witness lists and a list of exhibits 246 days following the filing of the complaint.

CRITICAL

A requested plea hearing is set no later than 60 days after the petition is filed.

The hearing will be set no later than 60 days from the date of filing of the petition.

CRITICALCivil cases

If an exceptions hearing is needed, CCMO will set the matter within 60 days of filing.

If a hearing is needed, CCMO will set the matter within 60 days of filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

For termination of a Guardianship of the Property, the guardian must file a Petition and Final Fiduciary’s Report within 45 days after discovering grounds for termination.

Upon Petition, the court may terminate a Guardianship of the Property for good cause, due to cessation of the disability, or death, see Md. Rule 10-710. The guardian shall file a Petition and Final Fiduciary’s Report within 45 days after discovering the existence of grounds for termination.

CRITICAL

The arraignment or initial appearance is scheduled within 14 days after the petition is filed.

The arraignment/initial appearance is scheduled within 14 days of the filing of the petition.

CRITICAL

Requests for interpreter should be submitted to the court not less than thirty (30) days before the proceeding for which the interpreter is requested.

Requests for interpreter should be submitted to the court not less than thirty (30) days before the proceeding for which the interpreter is requested.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the petition is filed within 30 days after the parent's deployment ends, the court must set an expedited hearing.

If the petition under paragraph (1) of this subsection is filed within 30 days after the end of the deployment of the parent, the court shall set a hearing on the petition on an expedited basis.

CRITICALCriminal cases

If a party files a response to a motion, it must be filed within 15 days after the motion is served.

A response to a motion, if made, must be filed within 15 days after service of the motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

A party intending to assert a likely substantial attorneys’ fees claim for services provided over a long period must provide a written statement to the court within 30 days of receiving the Scheduling Order.

If a party intends to assert that the case is likely to result in a substantial claim for attorneys’ fees for services provided over a long period of time, the party shall provide a written statement to the court, within 30 days of receipt of the Scheduling Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

After 120 days from issuance of original process, the Clerk must issue a Notice of Contemplated Dismissal for an action against a defendant who remains unserved and over whom the court has not otherwise acquired jurisdiction.

Upon expiration of 120 days from any issuance of original process directed to a defendant, the Clerk shall issue Notice of Contemplated Dismissal in any action against any defendant who has not been served or over whom the court has not otherwise acquired jurisdiction pursuant to Md. Rule 2-507(b).

WARNINGCivil cases

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.

Interrogatories and Requests 46 days before Merits 46 days before Settlement Conference 46 days before Settlement Conference

WARNINGCivil cases

The scheduling conference is listed at 60–90 days for Tracks 2, 3, and 4.

Scheduling Conference 60-90 days 60-90 days 60-90 days

WARNINGCivil cases

Financial Statement 14 days before Merits 14 days before Settlement Conference 10 days before PL Hearing

Financial Statement 14 days before Merits 14 days before Settlement Conference 10 days before PL Hearing

WARNINGCivil cases

Dispositive motions are due 14 days before the merits event in Track 2 and 14 days before the settlement conference in Tracks 3 and 4.

Dispositive Motions 14 days before Merits 14 days before Settlement Conference 14 days before Settlement Conference

WARNINGCivil cases

File Pre-Trial Statement 7 days before Merits 30 days before Settlement Conference 30 days before Settlement Conference

File Pre-Trial Statement 7 days before Merits 30 days before Settlement Conference 30 days before Settlement Conference

WARNINGCivil cases

Draft pre-trial statements must be exchanged 21 days before the merits event in Track 2 and 21 days before the settlement conference in Tracks 3 and 4.

Exchange Draft Pre-Trial Statement 21 days before Merits 21 days before Settlement Conference 21 days before Settlement Conference