Family
Services
Rose Naughton
Family
Services Coordinator
(410)
535-1600, ext. 2516
The following services and programs
are available to the Circuit Court for Calvert County:
Custody/Visitation
Mediation
When deemed appropriate the Court
refers parties to a Court appointed mediator for a minimum of two sessions
and two additional sessions, if necessary. The mediator informs the
Court with a written response as to whether the parties have reached agreement
or not. If the parties have reached an agreement, a consent agreement
is submitted to the Court which is then incorporated into the settlement
if the parties continue to agree at the time of settlement. The fee for
court ordered mediation is $55.00 per person per session. Each person is
responsible for his/her part of the payment. Fees may be waived for
financially distressed individuals. The decision to waive costs is
determined on individual basis based on a financial statement submitted
to the Judge, Master or the Family Services Coordinator for evaluation.
Property Mediation
The Court may refer parties to property
mediation. The Clerk's Office maintains a list of Court approved
property mediators which is available upon request. The parties are
responsible for scheduling and payment within a time period specified by
the Court.
Anger
Management
The Court may recommend litigants
to attend anger management and aggressive behavior classes provided by
the Abused Persons Program (APP) of Calvert County. APP sponsors
a 26 week class on anger management and a 26 week class on Domestic Violence
Education specifically where persons can learn to manage anger and aggressive/violent
behaviors.
Home
Study Evaluations
The Court may recommend Home Studies.
The Calvert County Department of Social Services (DSS) or private providers
are utilized for this purpose.
Substance
Abuse Program
The Court may refer litigants to
substance abuse testing, detox treatment, or individual, or group counseling.
Services are provided by the Calvert County Substance Abuse Program.
Services and fees vary.
Mental
Health Services
The Court may recommend mental health
services for individuals and families. Calvert County has a variety
of public and private mental health providers in the community. Individuals
are responsible for payment of service fees, but the Court may consider
some funding if finances are strained or third party billing is not available.
Basic
Parenting Classes
The Court refers litigants to basic
parenting classes at the Calvert County Health Department. Classes
are held on Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The
classes cover the different developmental stages of children and strategies
parents can use to parent effectively. These classes are given in
six, seven, or eight week increments throughout the year. There is
no fee.
Other
Family Services
Family Law Hotline - operates every
Tuesday and Thursday from
9:00 - 4:30. 1-800-845-8550
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Reduced
Fee Program 1-800-300-1009
Pro
Se Hotline (Women's Law Center) can assist with completing pro se forms.
(Hours: Tuesday 9:00 - 12:30; Wednesday 9:00-12:30 and 4:00-7:00; Thursday
9:00 - 4:00; Friday 9:00-12:30) 1-800-818-9888 |
