• Pro Se Litigants Clinic
• Co-Parent Education Program
• Mediation Services
• Attorneys for Minor Children
• Psychological Custody Evaluation
• Facilitation
• Scheduling Conferences
• Supervised Visitation and Monitored Transfer Services

The Pro Se Litigants Clinic has been available to the residents of Frederick County since April 
of 1997. The program is available to income eligible persons in need of legal assistance in 
family law matters. The clinic is located in the courthouse and is open once a week for eight 
hours. An interpreter for the hearing impaired is available. Feedback from citizens who have utilized the clinic has been positive.  For information on time and location of the clinic call 301-694-1975.

Co-Parent Education Program

The Circuit court for Frederick County refers parents in contested custody/visitation cases to seminars for separated, divorced and never married parents. The seminars educate parents  about the impact of separation and divorce on children at each developmental stage. The   six-hour course helps parents to develop skills in communication and decision-making.          Emphasis is placed on the importance of cooperation between parents in developing an   appropriate parenting plan that will serve the best interest of their children. The classes are   a logical preparation for the mediation process.

The co-parent education classes are available through private providers who have been certified to teach the course. Educators are responsible for informing the court when parents complete the program. The fee is $100.00 per party. Individuals with limited income may     make application for assistance with fees through the Clerks office.

Currently the classes are held on Tuesday evenings and, in alternate months, on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  For more information and to register call Linda Moran, LCSW-C at 301-631-2936 x304 or Gayle Bromberg, LCSW-C at 301-695-8390 x312.

Mediation Services

The Circuit Court for Frederick County continues to refer families for mediation for custody/visitation concerns. Consistent with the goal of helping families to develop their own 
solutions to custody matters, the confidential mediation may address living arrangements for 
children including access to each parent, holidays and vacations, and plans for transportation and emergencies.

Mediation services are currently referred to private providers who are certified at the child/custody visitation level. Two mediation sessions are made available to parties with the  option of participating in additional sessions if needed. The fee for services is $100.00 per    party per session. As with all Family Support Services, waivers are available for qualifying low income parties.

For more information on mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution call 
Kristine Shaffer, ADR coordinator, at 301-694-1467.

Attorney for Minor Children

In cases where parents are unable to settle their dispute and minor children remain in 
jeopardy an attorney may be court appointed to represent the minor child. Frederick County 
maintains a list of qualified attorneys to represent the best interest of the child. The parties 
are responsible for payment of the attorney for minor children, however Family Services funds are available to those who are income eligible.

Psychological Custody Evaluations

High conflict custody disputes may be refereed for a psychological evaluation for the purpose of developing a parenting plan. The evaluations are designed to assess parental strengths 
and deficits, identify children individual developmental needs and provide recommendations to the court. The evaluations are conducted by local private providers who are trained in child 
custody issues. The parents are responsible for payment for the service, however Family 
Services funds are available to those who are income eligible.

Facilitation

In conjunction with the Family Law Section of the Frederick County Bar Association, the 
court now coordinates the facilitation program. Facilitators are experienced practicing 
attorney that volunteer their time to attempt settlement in child custody cases at an early 
stage in the proceedings. Facilitation is voluntary, confidential and free of charges. In cases 
where one or both parties are represented, counsel is present for the session. Request for facilitation forms are available in the Clerks office.

Scheduling Conferences

Another effort aimed at early intervention in domestic cases is the initiation of scheduling conferences. In June of 2000, the court began offering these conferences with the Domestic Relations Master. The purpose is to define the issues and to provide information, clear expectations and timelines for attorneys and litigants. All parties are informed of the various services available to assist them with numerous opportunities to settle their differences throughout the proceedings.


Supervised Visitation and Exchange

These programs are made available to provide a safe and monitored environment for children 
to have parental contact.  In cases of high conflict between parents, the centers provide for the smooth transfer of children from one parent to the other for regularly scheduled visits. In 
addition, in cases where safety is a continuing issue, parents may visit with their child in a 
supervised setting. 
                       
The Safe Haven Child Transfer Center located at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. 
2nd Street, operates every other Friday (7-8:00PM) and Sunday (6-7:00 pm). The program is sponsored by the Children's Rights Council and there is no fee.  For information contact        Shauna Main at 301-662-1464, x13 or Al Ellis at 301-590-8621.

The Supervised Visitation/ Monitored Transfer Program, through the Frederick County Mental Health Association, is located at the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ.  Supervised visits and monitored exchanges are available on Fridays and Sundays.