Charles Cnty. Cir. Ct. Family DCM Plan 4

1 Family cases have historically been referred to as Civil Domestic cases.

2 American Bar Association (ABA), Standards Relating to Trial Courts, 1992 Edition, Section 2.50

Consistent with the Maryland Case Time Standards adopted by the Judicial Council,

Constitutional requirements, and applicable Maryland Rules, it is the goal of this Plan to

ensure that 98% of family cases, excluding limited divorce cases, be concluded within 12

months (365 days) of the filing date; and that 98% of limited divorce cases be concluded

within 24 months (730 days) of the filing date. In order to achieve this goal, the circuit

court is committed to resolving different categories of cases within a regular and

predictable time frame as warranted by the needs of those cases. For simpler cases, the

warranted time frame may be shorter than 12 months.

The differentiated case management (DCM) plan for family casetypes does not include

general civil (i.e. non-domestic relations casetypes).3 Family Law cases are the exclusive

jurisdiction of the circuit court.

Case Management

Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-302(b)(1)(A), the County Administrative Judge supervises

all aspects of family law case management, and is ultimately responsible for the

implementation of this Family Differentiated Case Management (DCM) Plan. The County

Administrative Judge authorizes certain family magistrates and judges to hear various

family matters, and make final decisions whether, and to whom, a case is assigned.

All family magistrates and judges must comply with this Plan and implement such

provisions in their rulings. Individual family magistrates and judges shall effectively

manage cases designated to them through dockets or specially assigned cases. The

scheduling of case hearing/trial events must always be coordinated with the Assignment

Office. All cases should be managed to the extent possible, consistent with the provisions of

this Plan, including adherence to the case time standards.

3 See Civil DCM Plan for all general civil casetypes.

Family Law Casetype Summary

This DCM plan includes the following family law casetypes: absolute divorce; limited

divorce; custody; visitation; child support (including child support establishment,

modification, and enforcement cases, paternity, and Uniform Interstate Family Support Act

cases); annulment; enrollment and enforcement of a foreign decree; adoption; protection

from domestic violence; guardianship of the person and/or property of a minor;

guardianship of the person and/or property of a disabled adult; change of name; special

juvenile immigrant status cases; and contempt proceedings to enforce existing family law

case orders.

Family magistrates predominately preside over the following family law casetypes:

1. Uncontested divorce, annulment, or alimony;

2. Temporary alimony;

3. Child support pendente lite4

4. Support of dependents;