Self-help Clinic
The Self-help clinic is available to income eligible litigants on a first-come-first-served basis. It is open from 9-2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and to Spanish speaking on every third Wednesday from 9-11. It is located on the Lower Level of the courthouse.
Co-parenting Seminar
The co-parenting seminar is ordered by the court in all contested custody/access cases. The seminar is six hours in length and covers the impact of conflict on children and strategies for parents to communicate and make decision together on behalf of their children. Emphasis is placed on creating age appropriate parenting plans and preparation for mediation.
The classes are offered by three private providers certified to teach this seminar. The fee is $100 per parent. Fee reduced classes are available to income eligible parties for details call 301-600-2023.
Monthly seminars are held on two Tuesday evenings from 5-8pm at Family Partnership 301-600-2206; on two Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm with Gayle Bromberg 301-695-8390 x312; or on one Saturday from 8am -3pm with Linda Moran 301-631-2936 x304.
Mediation Services
Contested custody and access cases are routinely ordered to mediation to develop a parenting plan and/or to establish child support. Mediation is a cooperative problem solving process facilitated by a neutral professional. The mediator helps the parents make important decision and reach agreements that are in the best interest of their children.
Parents are ordered to engage with certified private mediators for two to three mediation sessions. The cost for mediation is $150 per parent per session. Income eligible parents may be ordered to the’ in-house’ mediator at a reduced fee.
Parents may voluntarily elect to engage with a mediator at any time (before or after filing with the court). To find a mediator, you may contact the Frederick Bar Association 301-663-1139 http://www.frederickbar.org , Community Mediation (CALM) 301-631-2256 http://www.calmfrederick.org or the court at 301-600-2023.
Attorney for Minor Children
The court may appoint an attorney to represent the minor child or children if the parties are unable to settle on and implement a parenting plan. The attorney’s that represent children have completed special training focused on supporting the best interests of the children. Parents are responsible for payment of the fees for the children’s attorney, however if the parents income is sufficiently low Family Services Funds may be available to assist in payment.
Custody Evaluations
Complex custody disputes may be referred for evaluation by a mental health professional to provide evidence to the court and to offer parenting plan recommendations to the parents and the judge. The custody evaluation process assesses parental strengths and challenges and identifies children’s individual developmental needs. Parents are responsible for payment of all costs associated with the evaluation, however if the parents income is sufficiently low Family Services Funds may be available to assist in payment.
Settlement Conferences
Settlement Conferences are held before the Domestic Relations Master to facilitate settlement of the parties. The purpose is to define the issues and to provide an opportunity for negotiations. They court may suggest or order services to support settlement in the best interests of the children. The master clarifies expectations and imposes a timeline for concluding the case.
Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange
Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange centers are offered to provide a safe environment for children to have parental contact or to transfer between parents.
The Mental Health Association operates the Supervised Visitation & Monitored Transfer Center on Thursday & Friday 6-9pm Sunday 3-6:30pm One-hour supervised visits may be scheduled after an intake interview. Therapeutic visit may also be available. Fees are on sliding scale. 301-663-0011
Central Maryland Safe Haven Child Access Transfer Center provides a safe and comfortable location for parents to exchange children for weekend visitations. The Center is located at St. James Episcopal Church 1307 N. Main Street Mount Airy, MD phone: 301-829-0325 Mon-Wed and Fri 9-4. Center operates: Fri 7-8 pm and Sun 5-7 pm on alternate weekends. No fees
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