What is a Master of Domestic Relations?

A Master is a person appointed by the Court to hear specific types of cases.  The Master has the power to regulate all proceedings in the hearing, rule upon the admissibility of evidence, examine witnesses, and recommend findings of fact and conclusions of law to the Court.  They may also recommend contempt proceedings or other sanctions to the Court.  The Master shall prepare written recommendations to the Court, which shall include a brief statement of the Master's findings and shall be accompanied by a proposed order.  Each party will be notified of the Master's recommendations, either on the record at the end of the hearing or by service of the written recommendations within 10 days after the conclusion of the hearing or on matters referred to the Master by agreement of the parties, within 30 days after conclusion of the hearing.  The Court will not enter an order of judgment based upon the Master's recommendations unless no exceptions to the recommendations are filed and the time for filing exceptions has expired or if exceptions are filed, not until after the court rules on those exceptions.

Disclaimer

The office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court is committed to serving the citizens of Maryland.  Every effort is made to provide accurate information and assistance regarding matters that are important to you.  Please be advised, however, that we are prohibited by law from rendering legal advice.

Responses to these frequently asked questions should not be considered legal advice and may not be applicable to your individual circumstances. Our intent is only to offer you procedural information, refererences to potential applicable Rules or Statutes, and to possibly provide you with knowledge regarding additional sources where legal information can be found.

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only.  The information is provided by the Calvert County Clerk's Office and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.  Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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Notice:  These questions represent some of those most frequently asked to the Calvert County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.  For questions regarding matters in other circuit courts, please contact that court directly.  For District Court or Traffic matters, please see the information located on the Judiciary website:  www.mdcourts.gov - click on District Court or contact your local District Court.

 For legal advice, you  must consult an attorney.