Baltimore City Family Court Filing Guide

How and where to file family court papers in Baltimore City, Maryland: the clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers in Baltimore City, Maryland?

Family court matters arising in Baltimore City are filed with the clerk of court for the Baltimore City independent city in Maryland. Begin at the Baltimore City court website to confirm the division that handles family cases, the courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Baltimore City independent city family case online?

Maryland uses Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) File & Serve for electronic court filings. Availability for self-represented filers can vary by court and case type, so confirm with the Baltimore City independent city clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file in Baltimore City?

Divorce filing fee: ~$165. Exact Baltimore City independent city amounts are set by the clerk and change over time, so verify the current schedule with the clerk before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Maryland courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many independent city clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.