How to File for Custody in Maryland

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Determine if Maryland Courts have jurisdiction for a custody case.

   Jurisdiction for a child custody decision lies in the state where the child resides.
   
   If a parent has recently removed the child from the state of Maryland, and the parties were married or divorced in Maryland, the state’s Courts retain jurisdiction, as long as the parent who removed the children from the state can be located and notified of the custody action. , If you already have a custody order you should file for custody in the court that issued the order.
   
   If you do not already have a custody order, you should file in the county court in the county where the child resides or last resided. , Talk to your children’s other parent, and if you can come to an agreement on custody, filing together can make the process go much more quickly.
   
   However, if you find that cannot come to an agreement, you may want to file alone.
2. 2

   Step 2: Determine which court should hear your custody action.

3. 3

   Step 3: Decide if you will file alone or if your children’s other parent will join in the action.

Detailed Guide

About the Author