Maryland has launched its first self-help center offering free legal advice and information for civil matters in both district and circuit courts. The facility, located in the Frederick County Courthouse, aims to assist self-represented litigants with cases including family law, landlord-tenant issues, domestic violence, foreclosure, small claims, debt collection, and expungement.
"The opening of the new self-help center in Frederick represents the Maryland Judiciary’s ongoing commitment to meaningful access to justice for people who may not have the resources to afford an attorney," stated Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals.
Since July, the center has served over 400 individuals. Attorneys are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey emphasized that "the new center represents a significant expansion in the Judiciary’s network of self-help services."
Data shows that 80% of litigants in domestic cases were unrepresented last year. In many district court cases, at least one party is without representation. Morrissey added that financial constraints should not prevent individuals from understanding their rights.
Frederick County Administrative Judge Julie R. Stevenson Solt highlighted the importance of providing resources within the courthouse itself: "When people come to the courthouse with legal questions about civil matters, this center will be the first step for them."
The Frederick Self-Help Center is now part of five walk-in centers across Maryland operated by the Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) under a contract with the Administrative Office of the Courts. Other locations include Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Upper Marlboro, and Salisbury.
Program manager Lonni Kyhos Summers remarked on expanding access to justice under leadership from Barbera and Morrissey: "The goal is to make it easy for people to access the legal help they need." Additionally, a statewide remote service assists litigants via phone and online communication methods.
Brian Hochheimer from MCLA's Board noted that "the opening of the court-based self-help center in Frederick concretely reflects the commitment of the Maryland Judiciary to increase access to justice for all."
For further details on these services visit https://www.mdcourts.gov/selfhelp.