
The mediator will not offer you legal advice or tell you what to do. The mediator will help you and the other parent communicate. If property mediation was ordered, that will be addressed at your mediation session. You, the other parent and the mediator will discuss your custody and/or visitation issues. Can you explain what happens in mediation? Call Child Protective Services at the Department of Social Services to report allegations of child neglect and/or abuse: 41.Īlthough your situation may seem similar to someone else's, each case has unique elements that may affect the procedure or outcome of the case.Īt the scheduling conference, mediation was ordered. They can be reached at: 41.Ĭall the police, if you have a true emergency (911). The YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, in Arnold, MD offers services to victims of domestic violence. If there has been any domestic violence, different guidelines and forms apply. Usually, the court's criteria is listed on their website. Typically, visitation or support issues are not considered emergencies. This court defines an emergency as the risk of "imminent harm." The court will decide the criteria to determine what type of situation will qualify as an emergency. Cases can be closed before the one/two-year mark. Statewide, the courts aim to have every case closed within one to two years from the date filed, depending on case type. However, the exact time line from scheduling conference, to temporary hearing, to settlement conference, to final hearing, may vary. In every jurisdiction, the courts try to process cases as quickly as possible. In some cases, you may be able to request a pendente lite, or temporary, order. In a new case, it will usually be several months after your scheduling conference before there is a merits hearing in your case. This conference will focus on scheduling the deadlines and hearings in your case and ordering services, but it is not a hearing that results in a support order. Typically, the first event is a scheduling conference. When will I receive a Court Order? I need child support now.ĭepending on what type of case you file, you may have more than one hearing or other court ordered events. Prior permission must be obtained from the court before you will be excused from a court event or appear remotely.

In very rare circumstances, you may be allowed to participate remotely at certain court events. Unless you receive permission from the court to be excused, you must attend every scheduled court event (including the parent education class - FLOW and mediation). Sometimes information about children is presented to the Court either within the contents of a custody evaluation or during expert testimony from other adults.ĭo I have to come to all of the court events? I will miss work. In certain cases, a Judge may appoint an attorney for a child.

In limited circumstances, the Judge may talk to a child privately or allow a child to testify in Court. So, the Court does not like to put children in the position of having to talk to a Judge or testify in court. Coming to court is very intimidating, even for adults. Will my children talk to the Judge or Magistrate in Court? Anything the court considers must be in writing and part of the court file, with a copy sent to the other party. Click here for program location and hours.īefore I file my case or have a hearing, can I talk to the Judge or Magistrate? If you are representing yourself and are seeking legal assistance, you may use the services of the court's Family Law Help Center. You may call the Lawyer Referral Service operated by the Anne Arundel County Bar Association for a referral at: 41. However, when you would benefit from legal advice, especially if custody or property are in dispute.Ĭourt personnel cannot recommend attorneys. There are state forms on the Maryland Judiciary's Website by which self-represented people can use to file for divorce, custody, etc. There are many cases in which all issues are uncontested and many people are able to represent themselves in court. The court does not require that you have an attorney. What is FLOW? Family Law Orientation Workshopĭo I need a lawyer? Can you recommend a good lawyer?.
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I am not ready for trial – can I get a postponement?.What if I cannot afford mediation or any other court-ordered service?.At the scheduling conference, mediation was ordered.When will I receive a Court Order? I need child support now.Do I have to come to all of the court events? I will miss work.

