Transcript Assistance Fund

The Maryland Judiciary has established a pilot program to provide financial assistance to cover the costs of transcripts in certain appeals before the Appellate Court of Maryland.  See Eligibility Section below.  

If the Appellate Court determines that an applicant qualifies for assistance from the fund, the applicant shall work with the Judiciary’s Access to Justice Department to coordinate the ordering and payment for the transcripts in the appeal.

The program is subject to funding availability.

Eligibility for the Transcript Assistance Fund:

You may be eligible for assistance from the Transcript Assistance Fund if:

  1. You are an appellant who is representing yourself, AND
  2. You are appealing a judgment to the Appellate Court of Maryland that involves child custody and/or child visitation, AND
  3. Your income falls within the “Client Incomes Eligibility Guidelines” published by the Maryland Legal Services Corporation: https://www.mdlab.org/get-help-services/income-guidelines/

Current Table as of February 2024:

Transcript Assistance Fund Income Table

How to Apply for the Transcript Assistance Fund:

To apply for the Transcript Assistance Fund:

  1. Contact the Court Reporter.  You must contact the court reporter liaison in the circuit court where your case was decided to obtain an estimate of the costs for the transcript(s) of any hearings necessary for the Appellate Court to review your case.
  2. Complete the Application Form.  Complete the application form using the link below.  You may also obtain a copy of the application from the Clerk’s Office. Application Form
  3. Gather your Supporting Documentation.
    • Copies of order(s) being appealed, AND
    • Copy of the estimated transcription costs provided by the Court Reporter.
  4. File the Application and required Supporting Documentation with the Clerk’s Office.

Note to MDEC (Electronic) Filers:  If you have registered to file electronically in your appeal, you must e-file your application as “Confidential.”  You must also file a “Notice Regarding Restricted Information Pursuant to Rule 20-201.1" (Form MDJ-008).

The Court’s denial of an application is not subject to reconsideration.