Calvert Cnty. Cir. Ct. Family DCM Plan 2.1

hearings).

(a) Emergency Inquiry. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this DCMP, if a

complaint, answer or other paper filed by a party suggests that a serious crisis exists which may

result in serious physical harm to a party or a minor child of the parties unless immediate action is

taken, and the Court determines that the petitioner has notified the opposing party, the Court shall

conduct an “on-the-record” inquiry as deemed necessary. The record of such inquiry may be

limited to tape recording the proceedings. If the matter is heard and found to be an emergent

situation, a temporary order shall issue. The parties may be referred to the Family Services Office

for any intervention needed including parenting classes or mediation. The matter shall then be set

for a final hearing on the merits.

(b) Granting of Ex Parte Order – Scheduling Protective Order Hearing. If the results

of the Clerk’s Office search for related pending cases is negative, and the judge grants the petition,

the ex parte order shall be issued in the courtroom, and shall include the date, time and location

for the protective order hearing, which shall be conducted within seven days, provided the

respondent is served. The file shall be presented to the judge on the date scheduled for the

protective order hearing whether the respondent has or has not been served. The file shall include

information advising the judge of the status of service. If no return of service is in the file, Clerk’s

Office personnel shall contact the agency responsible for service, determine the status, and advise

the judge, in writing, of the agency’s response. If the respondent is not served, the petitioner can

request an extension of the ex parte order for service on the respondent. In addition, if the

respondent has not been served, the judge, in his/her own discretion, may extend the ex parte order

without a request. The ex parte order cannot be extended beyond 30 from the original date of the

order.

(c) Denial of ex parte petition. If the judge denies the petition, the case is concluded, and

no further action shall be taken.