The Maryland Judiciary has announced an expansion of its free self-help services for individuals representing themselves in civil cases within the state's trial courts. Starting October 30, 2015, the newly improved Maryland Courts Self-Help Center will offer phone and online assistance for a variety of civil matters in both District and Circuit Courts.
The expanded services now cover additional case types such as landlord-tenant issues, small and large claims, debt collection, return of property, peace and protective orders, family law matters including divorce, custody, child support and guardianship, foreclosure, shielding and expungement of records, among other civil matters filed in the courts. The center's extended hours provide convenience with phone and live online chat services available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays. Licensed attorneys staff the center to assist individuals via phone or online chat.
Walk-in legal assistance remains available at Family Law Self-Help Centers located in most Circuit Courts and at District Court Self-Help Resource Centers in Upper Marlboro and Glen Burnie.
Lawyers at these centers do not represent clients in court but offer guidance to those representing themselves in family and civil matters. "The District Court launched the model of phone and live chat services with our Self-Help Resource Center, and it has been very well received by the public," said Judge John P. Morrissey, Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland. He noted that over 23,000 people were served by phone, live chat, and walk-in services last year alone.
Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Court of Appeals stated that "the Judiciary is committed to expanding these programs to serve Marylanders more effectively with a broader range of civil legal assistance." She emphasized that the success of current initiatives supports this expansion.
Pamela Harris, State Court Administrator added that "the newly expanded Maryland Courts Self-Help Center complements the network of walk-in services provided for Circuit Court and District Court litigants who are representing themselves."
For more information on these services or to seek assistance, individuals can visit the Maryland Courts Self-Help Center webpage or contact them via phone or live chat through various platforms including www.mdcourts.gov or www.peoples-law.org.