The
following services and programs are available to the Circuit Court for Queen
Anne's County:
Family
Law Assistance Clinic
Volunteer lawyers are available in the courthouse every Monday from 1:30
p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, the 1st and 2nd
Thursdays of the month at the Kent Island Public Library from 5:30 p.m.-
6:30 p.m., and the 3rd and 4th Thursdays of the month at the Centreville
Public Library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for consultation on how to represent
yourself and complete forms for divorce, custody, visitation, and modification
of child support.
Custody/Visitation
Mediation When
deemed appropriate the Court refers parties to the Queen Anne's County
Department of Social Services Mediation Program. Parties attend the necessary
sessions with the mediator. The fee for court-ordered mediation is $125.00
per hour. Costs are divided between the parties and paid to Queen Anne's
County Department of Social Services Custody Evaluation Program. When
parties reach an agreement, the mediator prepares a Parenting Agreement
for signature and a copy is submitted to the Court.
Parenting
Seminars
The Healing
Hearts Program is a six-hour educational class conducted by Parent Education Program, P.O. Box 703, Centreville, Maryland 21617, 410-703-8854 (leave a message and wait for a call back), which offers
parents the opportunity to gain an understanding of the impact their separation
and/or divorce has on their children. Parents will learn skills that can
help their children adjust to the situation. The focus is on the importance
of parents meeting the needs of their children emotionally and financially.
The sessions are offered every month in Queen Anne's County. The cost
is $40.00 per person and is generally conducted in two parts.
Home
Study Evaluations
In depth
investigations are conducted by the Queen Anne's County Department of
Social Services to determine whether a home is an appropriate environment
for children. Written reports submitted to the Court may, include recommendations
for improving the current situation. Verbal testimony may also be required
by the Court. These evaluations are utilized by the Court for custody
and adoption cases. The cost for a home study in a custody case is $200
and an adoption case $300.
Substance
Abuse Assessments
The Queen
Anne's County Health Department, through its Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services
Department at the Nielsen Center, provides substance abuse assessments,
recommendations, referrals and urinalysis as needed. The assessments are
scheduled within 10 days. The urinalysis reports are generally available
within a week. Written reports are submitted to the court. Verbal testimony
may also be required by the court. The fees are on a sliding scale based
on ability to pay.
Mental
Health Evaluations
In cases
when a mental health evaluation is necessary, a referral to a specific
individual practitioner may be made. In other cases, the party may choose
the evaluator. The Court may determine who pays the fees, although they
are generally divided between the parties.
Other
Family Services |
