Family Services
Rose NaughtonFamily Services Coordinator
(410) 535-1600 ext. 2516
Information for Self-Represented Litigants (Calvert)
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 where persons can learn specifically how to manage anger and aggressive/violent behaviors.
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.
Co-Parenting FIT Seminar
The Court may order (or parties may self-refer) to the Families in Transition program provided by the Crisis Intervention Center. This program helps parents manage family changes in a positive, resourceful manner and is designed to minimize the disruptive effects of conflict, separation and divorce on the lives of children and their parents. Parents learn about the emotional impact of family conflict on children, the developmental stages of children and how family changes affect different stages, appropriate discipline, managing transitions between households, explaining family changes to children, developing constructive communication with the other parent and many other skills and resources. The fee is $125.00 per person. Self-referrals register through the Family Services Office. The program is eligible for fee waiver application, if court ordered.
Custody/Access Mediation
The Court may order parties to a Court-appointed mediator for a minimum of two 2-hour sessions to resolve disputed custody and access issues. The mediator reports the outcome of the mediation through a written memorandum to the Courts. If the parties reach an agreement, it is reduced to writing, signed by the parties and submitted to the Courts. The fee for court-ordered mediation is $65.00 per hour per party. This program is eligible for fee waiver application, if court ordered.
KIDS Connection
The Court may order (or parties may self-refer) children to the KIDS' Connection program provided by the Crisis Intervention Center. This program offers support and education to children whose families are experiencing conflict and disruption. The Program promotes the enhanced sense of self-worth and self-esteem essential to the development of healthy relationships as adults. Eight-week sessions are scheduled for four age groups. The fee is $80.00 per party. This program is eligible for fee waiver application, if court ordered.
Home Studies
The Court may order parties for a professional evaluation of their home environment and interviews with family members to assist the Court in making decisions that are in the best interest of the child. The Calvert County Department of Social Services provides this service for a fee of $300.00 per party. Eligible for fee waiver application if court ordered.
Supervised Visitation
The Court may order parties for supervised or therapeutic supervised visitation services provided by the Center for Children. There is a $40.00 per parent/guardian intake fee. Each visit is $20.00 per hour per child.
Mental Health Evaluations
The Court may order parties for mental health services. The Court may arrange for services through a variety of public and private licensed mental health providers in the community. Fees vary and are the responsibility of each party. Eligible for fee waiver application if court ordered.
Substance Abuse Screening/Evaluation/Treatment
The Court may order parties for substance abuse screening and/or evaluation through the Calvert County Substance Abuse Program, which may result in a recommendation for treatment. Services and fees vary. Fees are the responsibility of each party.
Domestic Violence Programs
The Court may order (or parties may self-refer) to a 26 week abuse intervention program provided by the Crisis Intervention Center. The fee is $40.00 for the intake and $20.00 per weekly session. Fees are the responsibility of each party.
Fee Waiver Applications
For eligible services, a party may file a Motion for Waiver of Family Services fees based on significantly limited income within 14 days of the Order date. If the Court GRANTS the Motions, Family Services shall pay a portion of the fee for each waiver approved. Please note that determination is based on a documented need and funds availability.
Other Family Services
Family Law Hotline
(800) 845-8550
operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
(800) 510-0050
Pro Se Hotline (Women's Law Center / Legal Forms Helpline)
(800) 818-9888
assists with completing pro se forms Tuesdays 9:00 - 12:30, Wednesdays 9:00 - 12:30, Thursdays 9:00-4:00, and
Fridays 9:00 - 12:30
Other Useful Links:
The People's Law Library website contains information regarding all types of legal issues.
Family Law Assistance
The Women's Law Center of Maryland Inc. website has information regarding various hotlines available.