Montgomery County Court Records
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Montgomery County is Maryland's most populous county, and its court system — centered in Rockville — processes tens of thousands of criminal, civil, family, and probate cases each year. Three courts divide that work: the Circuit Court, which is the general-jurisdiction trial court; the District Court, which handles lower-level civil and criminal matters at two locations; and the Orphans Court, which presides over probate and estate cases. Knowing which court holds the records you need makes the process much easier.
You can access Montgomery County court records through clerks' offices, courthouse public-access kiosks, and electronic databases. MarylandStateCourts.us can help you identify court locations and find publicly available case information statewide. The Maryland Judiciary also runs the free Case Search portal, which covers both Circuit Court and District Court records — including those from Montgomery County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County court records can be located online, in person at clerks' offices, or by submitting a written request by mail or email.
Online via Maryland Judiciary Case Search
Start with the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website — it's free and covers all Maryland circuit and district courts. To search Montgomery County records:
- Go to Case Search and choose 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 by court system (Circuit or District), case type (civil, criminal, family), and county (Montgomery County).
- Click Search to view matching results.
Results show docket entries, case status, hearing dates, and party information. Since Montgomery County moved to the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system, cases are created electronically, and many documents can be viewed 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
To request copies by mail, complete the Circuit Court's copy request form and send it to the appropriate department at the Circuit Court, 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. Copies cost $0.50 per page; certified copies are $5.00 plus $0.50 per page. For older or historical records, the Maryland State Archives is an additional research resource.
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, setting out both the scope of public availability and the categories shielded from disclosure. Circuit Court and District Court case records are generally open for public inspection and copying.
Records Open to the Public
Most court filings in Montgomery County are publicly accessible — 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 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 files that have been sealed or expunged are similarly off-limits to the public. To access a sealed record, you must petition the court and receive a judge's order authorizing disclosure. The Circuit Court's website explains the expungement and sealing process in more detail.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Montgomery County are split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the severity of the charges. The Circuit Court handles felonies and appeals from the District Court; 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 handles 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. To request police records, submit 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
For criminal record inquiries, the Sheriff's Office can be reached at (240) 777-7000.
Criminal Filing Fees
Per the Circuit Court fee schedule effective October 1, 2025, criminal-related fees 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 cases in Montgomery County are split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court handles civil claims 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 contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreclosures, medical malpractice, administrative appeals, foreign judgments, and more.
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 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 Circuit Court website's forms and self-help videos section offers downloadable forms for many civil filings.
District Court Civil Records
For civil claims at or below $30,000, filings go to the District Court in Rockville or Silver Spring. Contact the Rockville District Court clerk at (301) 563-8800 or by email for help with District Court civil records.
Land Records
Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other property-related documents 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. You can also search property records 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, bring a completed copy request form to the Family Department in person. You may need to present valid identification, particularly for records involving adoption, protection orders, or other confidential matters. Limited family court case information is accessible through Maryland Case Search, though certain case types are restricted.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
The Family Department holds all records related to divorce proceedings — petitions for dissolution, temporary orders for child support or custody, settlement agreements, and final divorce decrees. Filing a complaint for limited or absolute divorce costs $165.00. Motions to modify custody, support, visitation, or alimony are $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 carries no filing fee for the petitioner. If the court orders the respondent to pay, the cost is $165.00. The Circuit Court offers assistance for domestic violence victims and runs a Family Law Self-Help Center for those 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; death certificates are restricted for 10 years from the date of death. During those restricted periods, 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
You can also mail requests 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 the appropriate fees.
Montgomery County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Montgomery County fall under the jurisdiction of the Orphans Court, with administrative support from the Register of Wills. The Register of Wills handles estate openings, appointment of personal representatives, 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 offers 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
If you can't find a record online, call the Records Division at (240) 777-9680. The Register of Wills encourages 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.