Montgomery County Court Records Search
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Montgomery County, Maryland’s most populous county, is home to a robust court system centered in Rockville that processes tens of thousands of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters each year. The county’s judiciary operates through three distinct courts: the Circuit Court, which serves as the general jurisdiction trial court; the District Court, which handles lower-level civil and criminal cases at two separate locations; and the Orphans’ Court, which presides over probate and estate matters. Knowing which court holds the records you need—and how each office handles requests—is the key to obtaining documents efficiently.
Individuals searching for court records in Maryland can access information through several channels, including clerk’s offices, courthouse public access kiosks, and electronic databases. MarylandStateCourts.us may help users identify court locations and access publicly available case information statewide. The Maryland Judiciary also maintains the Case Search portal, which offers free online access to case records from both the Circuit Court and District Court systems, including those originating in Montgomery County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County court records can be located through online searches, in-person visits to clerk’s offices, or by submitting requests through mail or email.
Online via Maryland Judiciary Case Search
The most direct way to find a case is through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website. This free tool provides access to case records across all Maryland circuit and district courts. To search Montgomery County records:
- Navigate to Case Search and select either Case Number Search or Party Search.
- For a party search, select “Person” under Party Type and enter the individual’s name.
- Use the Advanced Search feature to filter results by court system (Circuit or District), case type (civil, criminal, family), and county (Montgomery County).
- Click Search to view matching results.
The system displays docket entries, case status, hearing dates, and party information. Since the implementation of the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system, cases are created electronically, and many documents are accessible digitally through public kiosks at the courthouse.
In Person
Each department within the Circuit Court Clerk’s office maintains its own records and accepts walk-in requests during business hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Public access kiosks are available in the Criminal Department, Central Files, and the public law library at the courthouse.
By Mail
Individuals can request copies by completing the Circuit Court’s copy request form and mailing it to the appropriate department at the Circuit Court, 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. The copy fee is $0.50 per page, with an additional $5.00 plus $0.50 per page for certified copies. Additional research resources are available through the Maryland State Archives.
Are Court Records Public in Montgomery County?
Maryland law establishes a strong presumption of public access to court records. Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-914 govern access to judicial records and set out both the scope of public availability and the categories of records that are shielded from disclosure. Under these rules, case records from the Circuit Court and District Court are generally available for public inspection and copying.
Records Open to the Public
Most court filings in Montgomery County are publicly accessible, including civil complaints, criminal charging documents, motions, orders, judgments, docket sheets, and court calendars. Since MDEC implementation, many of these records can also be viewed electronically.
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
The following categories of records are not available for public review without a court order:
- Juvenile case records
- Mental health evaluations
- Adoption records
- Records involving termination of parental rights
- Sealed case files
- Documents containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
Criminal case files that have been sealed or expunged are likewise not accessible to the public. To obtain a sealed record, a requester must petition the court and receive an order from a judge authorizing disclosure. The Circuit Court provides information on the expungement and sealing process on its website.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Montgomery County are handled by both the Circuit Court and the District Court, depending on the severity of the charges. The Circuit Court hears felony cases and appeals from the District Court, while the District Court processes misdemeanors and traffic violations.
Circuit Court Criminal Department
The Criminal Department of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office creates case files, dockets pleadings, and issues summonses, subpoenas, warrants, and writs. All criminal case information—except sealed and juvenile records—is public and can be viewed in person.
Montgomery County Circuit Court — Criminal Department
Address: 50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower, First Floor, Room 1260, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-9440
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
District Court Criminal and Traffic Records
The District Court processes criminal misdemeanors and traffic violations at two locations:
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Rockville | 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850 | (301) 563-8800 |
| Silver Spring | 8552 2nd Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 | (301) 563-8500 |
Both locations are open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. District Court inquiries can also be directed by email.
Police and Sheriff Records
The Montgomery County Department of Police and the County Sheriff’s Office maintain arrest records and criminal incident reports separately from court records. Police records can be obtained by submitting a records request under the Maryland Public Information Act to:
MCPD Records Section
Address: 100 Edison Park Drive, 1st Floor, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: (240) 773-5330
Email: Records.MCPD@montgomerycountymd.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (240) 777-7000 for criminal record inquiries.
Criminal Filing Fees
Per the Circuit Court fee schedule effective October 1, 2025, criminal-related fees in Circuit Court include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal case filing fee | $80.00 |
| Additional cost upon conviction (jailable offense) | $45.00 |
| Additional cost upon conviction (non-jailable offense) | $3.00 |
| Expungement petition (guilty disposition) | $30.00 |
Montgomery County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Montgomery County is split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court handles civil cases exceeding $30,000, while the District Court manages claims of $30,000 or less, including landlord-tenant disputes and replevin actions.
Circuit Court Civil Department
The Civil Department of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office maintains records for a wide range of civil matters, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreclosures, medical malpractice, administrative appeals, and foreign judgments.
Montgomery County Circuit Court — Civil Department
Address: 50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower, First Floor, Room 1200, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-9401
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Civil cases can also be searched online through Maryland Case Search by entering a case number or party name. Copies of case documents cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 each plus $0.50 per page.
Key Civil Filing Fees (Circuit Court)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil case | $165.00 |
| Foreclosure complaint | $165.00 |
| Residential property foreclosure additional fee | $450.00 |
| Foreign judgment | $110.00 |
| Voluntary dismissal | $15.00 |
| Writ of execution | $31.00 |
| Writ of garnishment | $31.00 |
| Motion for contempt | $31.00 |
Complete fee details are published in the summary fee schedule maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. The forms and self-help videos section of the Circuit Court website provides downloadable forms for many civil filings.
District Court Civil Records
For civil claims at or below $30,000, the District Court in Rockville or Silver Spring handles filings. Contact the Rockville District Court clerk at (301) 563-8800 or by email for assistance with District Court civil records.
Land Records
Property-related documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Land Records Department at 50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower, Second Floor, Room 2120, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: (240) 777-9477, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Property records can also be searched through the MDLANDREC database, which requires a free Maryland State Archives account.
Montgomery County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Montgomery County are handled by the Circuit Court’s Family Department, which manages filings related to divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, adoption, paternity, guardianship of minors and disabled individuals, domestic violence, change of name, and gender declaration.
Montgomery County Circuit Court — Family Department
Address: 50 Maryland Avenue, South Tower, First Floor, Room 1460, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-9426
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
To request copies of family case files, submit a completed copy request form in person at the Family Department. Requesters may need to present valid identification, particularly for records involving adoption, protection orders, or other confidential matters. Limited family court case information is publicly accessible through Maryland Case Search, though certain case types are restricted.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
The Family Department maintains all records related to divorce proceedings, including petitions for dissolution, temporary orders for child support or custody, settlement agreements, and final divorce decrees. A complaint for limited or absolute divorce carries a filing fee of $165.00. Motions to modify custody, support, visitation, or alimony cost $31.00 per filing.
Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates can also be obtained through:
- The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower, 3rd Floor, Room 3200, Phone: (240) 777-9467
- The Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036, using the appropriate marriage application or divorce application form
The Department of Health provides marriage records created on or after January 1, 2007, and divorce records created on or after January 1, 1992. Mail applications require valid identification, payment of applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Older records may be available through the Maryland State Archives.
Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence can seek protective orders through the Family Department or the District Court. Filing a petition for a protective order does not carry a filing fee for the petitioner. If the court orders the respondent to pay the filing fee, the cost is $165.00. The Circuit Court provides assistance for domestic violence victims and operates a Family Law Self-Help Center for individuals navigating family cases without an attorney. Family Division Services also provides mediation and other resources to help resolve disputes outside of court.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates in Montgomery County are managed by the county’s vital records division under the Department of Health and Human Services. Birth certificates are confidential for 100 years after the date of birth, and death certificates are restricted for 10 years from the date of death. During the restricted period, only record owners, spouses, named parents, legal guardians, and certain other entitled individuals may obtain copies. In-person requests require an appointment at:
Dennis Avenue Health Center
Address: 2000 Dennis Avenue, Suite #27, Silver Spring, MD
Phone: (240) 773-1207
Appointment hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday–Friday
Requests may also be mailed to the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036, with completed birth or death application forms, valid ID, and appropriate fees.
Montgomery County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Montgomery County fall under the jurisdiction of the Orphans’ Court, with administrative support provided by the Register of Wills. The Register of Wills handles the opening of estates, appointment of personal representatives, filing of inventories and accountings, collection of inheritance taxes, and other probate-related functions.
Montgomery County Orphans’ Court
Address: 50 Maryland Avenue, Room 322, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-9600
Fax: (240) 777-9602
Register of Wills Office
Address: 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Email: montgomerycountyrow@registers.maryland.gov
| Department | Phone |
|---|---|
| New Proceedings Division (Small Estates) | (240) 777-9620 |
| Orphans’ Court Assistant (Hearings) | (240) 777-9690 |
| Financial Analysis Division | (240) 777-9640 |
| Records Division (Copy Requests) | (240) 777-9680 |
| Delinquencies / Extensions | (240) 777-9693 |
Searching Probate Records Online
The Register of Wills operates two free online search tools:
- Estate Search — look up estate cases by decedent name, estate number, or personal representative
- Claim Search — search claims filed against estates
Records not found online can be requested by calling the Records Division at (240) 777-9680. The Register of Wills encourages the use of the courthouse dropbox on Maryland Avenue or mail for submitting paperwork. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended for faster service. Documents emailed to the office must be in PDF format and no larger than 25 pages.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Guardianship cases for minors and disabled adults are filed through the Circuit Court’s Family Department, while certain trust-related and fiduciary matters are handled by the Trust Clerk’s Office:
Montgomery County Circuit Court — Trust Office
Address: 50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower, Second Floor, Room 2400, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-9175
Text: (240) 328-2214
The Register of Wills provides extensive guidance for estate administration, including a downloadable estate booklet, information about small estates up to $50,000, regular estates over $50,000, facts about wills, and probate policies and procedures. Guardianship forms are available through the Maryland Judiciary website.