Are the Courts Holding Uncontested Divorce Hearings During COVID-19 Closures?

The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the nation, causing uncertainty in its wake. While many essential businesses and government offices have shut down, the Maryland courts have been diligent in figuring out how certain matters can still be heard. While the Maryland courts may be restricted, many are still conducting uncontested divorce hearings at this time. If you and your spouse have an uncontested case that is ripe for testimony, the following courts are accepting new filings and may be able to hear your case now:

Circuit Court for Baltimore County: The Circuit Court for Baltimore County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings as long as two attorneys are involved.

Circuit Court for Kent County: Beginning the week of May 5, 2020, the Circuit Court for Kent County is slated to conduct remote uncontested divorce hearings that are ripe.

Circuit Court for Somerset County: The Circuit Court for Somerset County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings as long as two attorneys are present. The court is also accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings as long as it is filed through the MDEC filing system.

Circuit Court for Washington County: The Circuit Court for Washington County is conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings at this time. The court is also accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings.

Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County: The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings. The court will also be accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings.

Circuit Court for Charles County: The Circuit Court for Charles County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings via Court call as well as skype. The court will also be accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings through the MDEC filing system.

Circuit Court for Howard County: The Circuit Court for Howard County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings. The court will also be accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings.

Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County: The Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings. The court will also be accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings.

Circuit Court for Worcester County: The Circuit Court for Worcester County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings. The court is also accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings.

Circuit Court for Calvert County: The Circuit Court for Calvert County is now conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings. The court will also be accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings.

Circuit Court for Frederick County: The Circuit Court for Frederick County is now conducting uncontested divorce hearings on a limited basis of two days per week via telephone, however the court requests that a line be submitted first. The court is still accepting new filings for uncontested divorce hearings through the MDEC filing system.

Circuit Court for Montgomery County: The Circuit Court for Montgomery County has started to schedule remote uncontested divorce hearing dates for matters that have already been set.

Circuit Court for Cecil County: The Circuit Court for Cecil County is conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings for matters that have already been set.

Circuit Court for Talbot County: The Circuit Court for Talbot County is conducting remote uncontested divorce hearings.

The Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s County, and Alleghany Counties are not hearing remote uncontested divorce matters at the present time.

If you or someone you know need guidance while going through a divorce, we encourage you to reach out to an experienced family attorney at Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White, LLC who can help you navigate your options.