Calvert County Court Records Search
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Calvert County is situated along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in southern Maryland, with its county seat in Prince Frederick. The county’s judiciary consists of three courts — the Circuit Court, the District Court, and the Orphans’ Court — each with distinct jurisdiction over different categories of cases. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of court records, while the Register of Wills manages probate and estate files. Whether you need to verify a civil judgment, review a criminal case disposition, obtain a divorce decree, or research an estate, this guide details the specific offices, procedures, fees, and online tools available for accessing Calvert County court records.
Individuals seeking court records in Maryland can use a combination of official online tools, local clerk offices, and public access systems to locate case information. Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the primary public-facing database for searching Circuit Court and District Court cases statewide, including those filed in Calvert County. Additional resources, court directories, and legal self-help information can be found through MarylandStateCourts.us. In-person searches are available at the Calvert County Courthouse and the District Court building in Prince Frederick during regular business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Calvert County?
Calvert County court case records can be accessed online, in person, or by mail depending on the type of record and the level of detail needed.
Online Search
Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides public access to case records originating in both the Circuit Court and District Court. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name (last name required; use the % symbol after at least one character for partial searches)
- Attorney name
Case Search returns summary information including case type, filing dates, parties, charges, and dispositions. It does not contain the full case file — for complete documents, you must visit the clerk’s office in person. The Maryland Judiciary cautions that Case Search should not be used for criminal background checks.
Certain criminal case information is no longer visible on Case Search following recent legislative changes. Records removed from online view include charges resulting in nolle prosequi, dismissal, or acquittal; stet entries where three or more years have passed; and certain cannabis possession charges. These records may still be viewed in person at the courthouse.
Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC)
MDEC is the electronic filing and case management system used by Maryland courts. Attorneys are required to file through MDEC. Members of the public may request access to view case documents electronically, subject to Maryland Rules. Some courthouses may also have MDEC kiosks available for public use.
In-Person Access
Paper case files are maintained at the courthouse where the case was heard. Anyone may visit the clerk’s office to view records by providing the case number or the names of parties involved. Copies of documents can be requested for a per-page fee. Both courthouses are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Calvert County Circuit Court | 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 | (410) 535-1600 |
| Calvert County District Court | 200 Duke Street, Room 2200, Prince Frederick, MD 20678-4132 | (443) 486-4000 |
| Calvert County Orphans’ Court | 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 | (410) 535-1600, ext. 2256 |
The District Court also has a toll-free number for in-state callers: (800) 943375. TTY users should call Maryland RELAY at 711.
Mail Requests
Written requests for copies of court records can be directed to the appropriate clerk’s office at the addresses above. Include the case number or party names, a description of the documents needed, and payment for any applicable copy fees. Contact the clerk’s office in advance to confirm the current fee schedule and accepted forms of payment.
Are Court Records Public in Calvert County?
Maryland court records are generally open to the public. The Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records (Title 16, Chapter 900) establish the framework governing public access, providing that judicial records in the possession of the courts are available for inspection and copying unless a specific rule, statute, or court order restricts access.
The following categories of records are not open to the public absent a court order or specific legal provision:
- Adoption case files
- Guardianship proceedings terminating parental rights
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Child in need of assistance (CINA) cases
- Certain marriage license information
- Emergency mental health evaluations
- Income tax returns filed in court cases
- Financial statements filed in spousal or child support matters
- Physician reports concerning the medical condition of an alleged disabled adult
- Guardian reports concerning the property of an alleged disabled adult
- Actions for judicial declaration of gender identity
- Sealed, shielded, or expunged cases
Beginning in 2024, certain Failure to Pay Rent cases are automatically shielded from public view. Cases that did not result in a judgment for possession are shielded within 60 days of the final decision. Additional details are available in the Information for Tenants brochure.
Maryland law also requires that certain personal information be kept private automatically. Filers may need to notify the court when a document contains legally protected information such as Social Security numbers or tax returns using the restricted information notification form.
Calvert County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Calvert County are heard in both the Circuit Court (felonies and serious offenses) and the District Court (misdemeanors, certain felonies, and traffic violations). Criminal case files maintained by the respective clerks include charging documents, motions, plea records, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and appellate information.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information can be searched through Maryland Judiciary Case Search by defendant name or case number. As noted above, certain outcomes — including acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi dispositions, and qualifying stet entries — have been removed from online view but remain accessible at the courthouse.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county and maintains incident reports, arrest records, and traffic offense reports. To obtain copies of any report — including criminal reports, accident reports, or body-worn camera footage — requests must be submitted through the Sheriff’s Office online request portal.
Calvert County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 30 Church Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: (410) 535-2800 or (301) 855-1194
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sheriff’s Office report fees:
| Report Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal Reports | $10.00 |
| Traffic Reports | $10.00 |
| Video Recordings | $10.00 |
| Miscellaneous Requests | $10.00 |
Requests requiring extensive research or production beyond two hours of staff time are charged at $25.00 per hour. No juvenile information is released. Criminal and traffic reports may take 7–10 business days to process; body camera footage may take up to 30 days.
Alternatively, requesters can download the Sheriff’s Office Information Request Form, complete sections 2 and 3, enclose a $5.00 payment (cash or check payable to the Calvert County Treasurer), and submit it to the Sheriff’s Office at 30 Church Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The Maryland Judiciary recommends that formal background checks be conducted through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository maintained by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. A state-only background check costs $18.00 by mail or $38.00 in person (which includes a $20.00 fingerprinting service fee). Full state and FBI background checks cost $30.00 by mail or $50.00 in person. Payments must be made by credit card or check — no cash or money orders.
CJIS Central Repository
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
Phone: (410) 764-4501 or toll-free (888) 795-0011
Fax: (410) 653-6320
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Expungement and Shielding
Individuals with qualifying criminal records may petition for expungement or shielding of criminal records. Expungement removes information from court and law enforcement records entirely. Shielding keeps records out of public view while preserving them internally. Applicable court forms are available through the Maryland Courts website.
Calvert County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Calvert County are divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim. The District Court handles civil cases involving amounts of $30,000 or less, landlord-tenant disputes, and replevin actions. The Circuit Court has general civil jurisdiction, including cases exceeding $30,000, equity matters, and appeals from the District Court.
Types of Civil Records
Civil case files in Calvert County may include:
- Complaints, answers, and counterclaims
- Motions and court orders
- Discovery documents
- Trial transcripts
- Judgments and satisfaction of judgments
- Liens and garnishments
Searching Civil Records
Civil cases can be searched on Maryland Judiciary Case Search by case number or party name. For complete case files, visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, or the District Court at 200 Duke Street, Room 2200, Prince Frederick.
Land Records and Property Matters
Real property records — including deeds, mortgages, and plats — are recorded by the Circuit Court Clerk’s office and can be searched online through Maryland Land Records (mdlandrec.net). A free account is required to access the database. Property ownership and assessment information is available through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) real property search. The Calvert County Land Records office can be reached at (410) 535-1600, ext. 2264.
Fees
Copy fees vary by court. Contact the relevant clerk’s office to confirm current rates. Typical charges in Maryland courts include a per-page copy fee and an additional certification fee for certified copies. Civil case judgment and satisfaction data from the District Court is also available on a subscription basis.
Calvert County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Calvert County — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, and adoption proceedings — are heard primarily in the Circuit Court. Many family court records carry enhanced privacy protections.
Divorce Records
Divorce cases are filed and heard in the Circuit Court. The case file includes the complaint, financial statements, settlement agreements, custody arrangements, and the judgment of absolute divorce. Copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, Phone: (410) 535-1600
For a divorce verification certificate (as distinct from the full decree), the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records maintains records of divorces from January 1, 1992 to the present. To request a copy:
- Download and complete the Application for Verification of Divorce Record
- Enclose a valid photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a $12.00 check or money order
- Mail to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215
Child Custody, Support, and Domestic Violence
Records involving child custody, child support proceedings, and domestic violence cases carry confidentiality restrictions under Maryland Rules. Financial statements filed in spousal or child support cases are not open to the public. Domestic violence protective order files may also be restricted.
Adoption Records
Adoption proceedings are confidential under Maryland law and cannot be accessed by the general public.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Calvert County are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. For marriages that occurred before January 1, 2007, contact the Calvert County Clerk’s office. For marriages from January 1, 2007 onward, certified copies can be obtained from the Maryland Division of Vital Records by downloading the Application for a Certified Copy of Maryland Marriage Records, enclosing a valid ID and a $12.00 check or money order, and mailing to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.
Marriage certificates for unions between 1952 and 2011 can also be ordered through the Maryland State Archives for a $25.00 fee. Mail the completed form and payment to: Maryland State Archives, 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Birth and Death Records
Birth certificates can be ordered through the Maryland Division of Vital Records by completing the birth certificate application and mailing it with a $10.00 fee and a valid photo ID to P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036. The Calvert County Health Department at 975 Solomons Island Road North, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, Phone: (410) 535-5400 ext. 301, also processes birth and death record requests.
Death certificates can be requested using the death certificate application for $10.00 (first copy) and $12.00 (each additional copy) through the Division of Vital Records, or for $20.00 through the Calvert County Health Department. The Maryland State Archives offers death certificate orders for deaths between 1898 and 2014 at $25.00 per order.
Calvert County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Calvert County are handled by the Orphans’ Court, which is Maryland’s specialized probate court, and the Register of Wills, which serves as the administrative arm for estate proceedings. The Circuit Court shares jurisdiction over certain probate-related cases, including will contests and complex estate disputes.
Calvert County Register of Wills
Address: 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: (410) 535-1600 or (410) 535-0121
DC Line: (301) 855-1243
Fax: (410) 414-3952
Email: mphipps@registers.maryland.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills recommends calling ahead for appointments and advises that filings cannot be submitted by email. A drop box labeled “Register of Wills” is available at the main entrance sidewalk.
Searching Probate Records
The Maryland Register of Wills Estate Search is a free online portal allowing users to search for estate records by decedent name, estate number, or filing date. The search covers estates filed across all Maryland counties, including Calvert.
In-person visitors can review probate files at the Register of Wills office during regular business hours.
Filing an Estate
The Register of Wills provides downloadable probate forms for all phases of estate administration, including small estate petitions (Form RW 1103), regular estate petitions (Form RW 1112), modified administration elections, and limited order requests. Separate estate packets are available for small estates and regular estates. Probate filing fees in Maryland are based on the value of the estate. A fee waiver request (Form RW 1220) is available for qualifying individuals.
Guardianship Records
Guardianship petitions for minors (Form 1313) and related filings are processed through the Register of Wills and the Circuit Court. Updated guardianship forms are available on the Maryland Courts website. Guardianship case files may contain restricted medical or financial information not available for general public inspection.
Historical Estate Records
Older estate and probate records can be ordered through the Maryland State Archives for $35.00 per order. Mail the completed form and payment to: Maryland State Archives, 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. The Archives can also be reached at (410) 260-6487 or msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov.