Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of cases does the Circuit Court for Howard County hear?
Please see the following web pages for information on the Maryland court system and the types of cases heard in the appellate and trial courts.
http://mdcourts.gov/overview.html
http://mdcourts.gov/about.html
- Who do I contact about Jury Duty?
Please call the Jury Commissioner at 410-313-3804.
- I have a traffic ticket where should I go?
Please contact the District Court at 410-480-7700.
- Does the Court offer any services for self-represented litigants?
The Civil Law Self-Help Center is open on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The Civil Law Self-Help Center is located in the Law Library in the Circuit Court. An attorney provides free legal assistance in civil non-domestic matters, to walk-ins. Some areas of the law that are civil include, landlord/tenant, contracts, small claims, advance medical directives, expunging records and homeowner association disputes. Visitors must be self-represented and have limited income to qualify for service. If you have any questions, please contact the Law Librarian at the Circuit Court at (410) 313-2135.
The Family Law Assistance Program is open on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The Family Law Assistance Program is located in the Circuit Court, Room 401C, in front of Courtroom #2. An attorney is available to provide free consultation on how to represent oneself and complete forms for family law matters, such as custody, divorce, domestic violence, modification of child support, visitation and other family law issues. If you have any questions about the Program, please call the Law Librarian, Sandy Brewer, at 410-313-2135.
The Circuit Court for Howard County is pleased to announce a partnership with Howard County Public Library to further meet the needs of self-represented litigants in the county. Two evenings a month, the Civil Law Self-Help Center will be held at the East Columbia Branch. The Civil Law Self-Help Center will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the East Columbia Branch meeting room, located at 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia MD 21045, on the following dates: September 29, October 13 and 27, November 3 and 17, and December 1 and 15. In addition, one evening a month, the Family Law Assistance Program will be held at the East Columbia Branch meeting room. All evening hours are from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. The upcoming Family Law Assistance Program evening dates are: September 22, October 20, November 10, and December 8.
- Is there anywhere to buy/store food at the Court House?
The Blue Rooster cafe has reopened under new management. The cafe is open from 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and sells breakfast and lunch items. There are also vending machines located on the lower level of the Court House.
- How do I get a copy of a transcript, and what does it cost?
See Transcripts for information on obtaining a copy of a transcript and the rates that apply.
- What can I bring to the Court House.
See Administrative Order No. 06-03 on Photographic, Recording and Electronic Devices
- Where do I get a marriage license?
You obtain a marriage license from the License Department at The Thomas Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Rd, Columbia MD 21045, 410-313-5850. If you wish to be married by the Clerk, the marriage ceremony takes place at the Circuit Court for Howard County, 8360 Court Ave., Ellicott City, MD 21043. For more information on Civil Ceremonies, see http://mdcourts.gov/clerks/howard/marriage.html#civil or contact the Clerk at 410-313-2111.
- How do I become a court interpreter?
For information on requirements to become a certified court interpreter, information on the registry release list of interpreters, and scheduled workshops, see the Judiciary's Court Interpreter Program.
- Is there space at the Court House to take depositions?
No, there is not any space in the Court House for depositions.
- What is the Orphans' Court, and what does it do?
The Orphans' Court for Howard County is a panel of 3 judges, who are elected to 4 year terms. The judges do not need to be lawyers, but must be citizens of the state and reside in Howard County. The current judges are Joyce C. Pope, Sherae M. McNeal, and Jay Fred Cohen. The Orphans' Court oversees the probate process for many, but not all estates. The probate process involves enforcing wills, safeguarding minors' estates, administering estates, protecting beneficiaries, preserving creditors' rights and ensuring that the personal representative fulfills his/her duties. www.registers.state.md.us/county/ho/html/howard.html
- Does Howard County Transit provide transportation to the Court House?
Not at this time.
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