Effective March 17, 2020, Maryland state courts will require only essential employees to report to courthouse locations and court offices. Court locations and offices will be minimally staffed to hear emergency court matters and answer calls between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Employees able to work from home will do so at the direction of their supervisor.
Emergency matters include domestic violence petitions, family law emergencies, extreme risk protective orders, bail reviews, juvenile detention hearings, and search warrants. These cases will continue with a reduced workforce through April 3, 2020, or further notice.
Non-emergency matters scheduled for hearings or proceedings are postponed. Courthouses across the state remain closed to the general public until April 3, 2020, or further notice.
A new administrative order issued on March 16 allows administrative judges and other officials to identify “essential personnel.”
“In response to COVID-19, the Maryland Judiciary is taking further action to protect court visitors and Judiciary personnel,” said Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “The health and well-being of all Marylanders continue to be a top priority as we ensure that essential court operations continue during this public health emergency.”
The electronic filing system MDEC remains available in all MDEC counties. In non-MDEC counties or for self-represented litigants, filings can be mailed or dropped off at local clerk’s offices.
Monday’s order replaces one issued on March 13. The new Administrative Order can be read online.
The Judiciary's CaseSearch portal will update as clerk’s offices process filings during this public health emergency.
Media members are allowed inside courthouses while restrictions are in effect but are urged to follow CDC guidelines and present valid media credentials when entering courthouses.