How Do I Get Visitation in Maryland?
- 1). Prepare a written request to the family court in your county. The family division of the circuit courts in each county have standard complaint forms that are used for this purpose. In the complaint, you will include the name and ages of the children, your relationship to them and their dates of birth and the circumstances of your case. The complaint will also name the persons who have custody of the children.
- 2). Complete the Case Information Report for Civil/Domestic Cases. It is available on the Maryland Judiciary website. The form requests basic background information about the parties. This includes the name and addresses of the parties, whether the case is contested, whether the parties are represented by attorneys and if you believe the case is suitable for mediation or arbitration.
- 3). File the documents with the clerk of the family division in the circuit court in the appropriate county. There are no filing fees for proceedings under the Family Law Act. A visitation complaint is a claim to assert a right under the Family Law Act.
- 4). Hire a process server to deliver a copy of the papers on the respondent. This is the person or persons with custody of the child. You will also include the writ of summons which is issued upon the filing of the papers. The papers give the respondent notice of the nature of the case, the court date and the opportunity to present relevant facts at the hearing.
