The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all civil matters related to families. Divorce, custody, visitation, child support, paternity, adoption, domestic violence and juvenile matters are some of the family law matters handled by the Circuit Court for Caroline County. Certain procedures and services have been established to give family law cases appropriate and timely attention.

Each jurisdiction in Maryland has either a Family Division or a Family Support Services Program. In 1998, the Maryland Judiciary, with financial support form the Maryland legislature, created Family Support Services Programs.

The following services and programs are available directly or indirectly through the Court's Family Services Program:

• Family Law Pro Se clinic. Held each Monday from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM in Room 101 in the Circuit courthouse. Local attorneys practicing family law staff the clinic on a rotating basis. The clinic provides assistance with court forms, consultation, advice and coaching for parties not represented by an attorney.
• Co-parenting seminars - Healing Hearts. An educational seminar for separated parents concerning children's best interests, child development, the impact of separation and divorce on children and communication skills for parents.
• Supervised visitation and monitored exchange services. Safe, neutral location for parents who need supervision to visit their children or to effect safe exchanges. The center, operating out of the Family Support Center in Denton at 100 N. 6th Street, is open every Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on alternating Sundays from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Talbot and Caroline Counties' Family Services Programs sponsor an alternating Friday evening monitored exchange service in Easton to accommodate week-end exchanges for full week-end visits.
• Mediation for Custody and Visitation Issues. The Court maintains an approved list of domestic mediators. Mediation is often ordered in cases involving child access issues in order to assist families to develop and control their own Parenting Agreement. The Court may order parties to attend up to two mediation sessions (four, if good cause is shown and it is recommended by the mediator). Court ordered mediation costs each party $100 per session (usually two hours). Eligible parties may apply for financial assistance through the Family Services Program.
• Attorneys for children. Some cases involving child access issues require attorneys to represent, counsel, advocate for and/or act as guardians for minor children. For financially eligible families, the Court's Family Services Program will help families pay attorneys who offer legal services at reduced fees.
• A multi-agency community effort resulted in the awarding of a grant funding Fatherhood for Now, a program designed to increase the positive involvement of fathers in their children's lives. The program offers referral services, facilitates access to services, provides some case management and customized services for fathers who wish to increase contact with their children and provide emotional and financial support. The Caroline County Department of Social Services administers the grant.

• home studies
• custody investigations
• mental health evaluations
• substance abuse assessments
• parenting education
• paternity testing
• child support establishment and collection services
• domestic violence advocacy programs
• crisis intervention
• counseling and therapy
• legal information programs
• lawyer referral services
• services to juveniles and their families

Case Management. After an original filing, e. g. a complaint for divorce or a motion for modification, is filed and the opposing party files an answer, the case is reviewed by Court's Family Services Coordinator. Uncontested cases are scheduled for a hearing before a Domestic Relations Master. Contested cases are scheduled for a Scheduling Conference conducted by a master.

Scheduling Conferences. The parties and their attorneys are required to attend scheduling conferences. The purpose of the Scheduling Conference is to identify the contested matters and to set dates for other events before trial. The scheduling conference allows the Court to offer resources to the parties and to order any services which are necessary for the settlement of the case or for the Court's use at trial. Future hearings may be scheduled, as well as deadlines for Court ordered services or other procedural matters.

Pendente Lite (pending a final order) Hearings. Dates may be set for priority issues, such as hearings on temporary custody, child support and use of family property.

Emergency Hearings. In rare circumstances and only after proper request accompanied by affidavit(s) signed under oath are filed, the Court will hold an emergency hearing. These hearings usually involve issues of imminent danger to children, are very narrow in scope and of short term duration.

Settlement Conferences. In many cases, a date for a settlement conference will be set prior to the scheduling of a trial date. A judicial officer, e. g., a retired judge, meets with the parties and their attorneys to attempt settlement. A trial on the merits will be scheduled if settlement is not reached.

Review Hearings. Sometimes the court will set a hearing to review the progress of a case, especially regarding custody and/or visitation, after an final order has been signed.

Status Conference. Very much like a subsequent scheduling conference or a review of a case under a temporary order. Status conferences are used to keep a case moving through the system. Often used in high conflict or especially complicated cases.