Wicomico County Court Records Search

    Please enter a valid first name
    Please enter a valid last name

    MarylandStateCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on MarylandStateCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

    Wicomico County is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with Salisbury serving as the county seat. The county’s court system processes thousands of criminal, civil, family law, and probate matters each year across three courts: the Circuit Court, the District Court, and the Orphans’ Court. Whether you need to verify a pending case, obtain a certified copy of a judgment, or research estate filings, understanding which office holds the records you need and how to request them will save considerable time.

    Court records in Maryland can be searched through several channels, including clerk offices, in-person public access terminals at courthouses, and online databases maintained by the state judiciary. MarylandStateCourts.us may help users identify resources for locating publicly available court case information statewide, while individual clerk offices handle document requests at the county level. The sections below identify the specific courts, contact details, fees, and procedures applicable to Wicomico County.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Wicomico County?

    The most direct way to search for a Wicomico County case is through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal, a free online tool covering both Circuit Court and District Court records statewide. To narrow results to Wicomico County, follow these steps:

    1. Navigate to the Case Search portal and select “Advanced Search”.
    2. Enter the party name or business name in the appropriate field. For partial name searches, type at least the first character of the last name followed by a percent sign (%).
    3. Under “Court System”, choose either “Circuit Court Only” or “District Court Only” depending on the type of case.
    4. Select “Wicomico” from the County drop-down menu.
    5. Optionally enter a filing date range or case number for more targeted results.
    6. Click the search button to retrieve matching records.

    Case Search displays docket information, case status, charges, and scheduled hearing dates. It does not provide downloadable copies of pleadings, motions, or orders. To obtain actual documents, you must contact the appropriate clerk office.

    Wicomico County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
    Address: 101 North Division Street, Room 105, Salisbury, MD 21801
    Phone: (410) 543-6551
    Fax: (410) 546-8590
    Email: wicomico.clerk@mdcourts.gov
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

    Wicomico County District Court
    Address: 201 Baptist Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
    Phone: (410) 713-3500
    Toll-Free (in-state): (800) 940-3267
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

    You can visit either courthouse during business hours to inspect case files. Staff can retrieve files from active storage and, for older matters, from archives. When calling or writing, provide the full case name, case number if known, and the type of record you need.

    The Clerk’s Office also processes requests by mail. Send written requests to:

    Clerk of the Circuit Court
    P.O. Box 198, Salisbury, MD 21803-0198

    Include the case name or number, a description of the documents needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for applicable copy fees payable to “Clerk of the Court”.

    Standard copy and certification fees set by the Maryland Judiciary apply across all circuit courts:

    • Copies: $0.50 per page
    • Certification: $5.00 per document, plus $0.50 per page
    • Exemplification (triple seal): $10.00, plus $0.50 per page

    The Circuit Court fee schedule, effective October 1, 2025, details additional charges for filings, writs, and other services.

    Are Court Records Public in Wicomico County?

    Judicial records in Maryland carry a presumption of public access. Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-934 establish the framework for inspection and copying, while the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) reinforces the public’s right to government records more broadly.

    Under these provisions, most Wicomico County case records filed in the Circuit Court and District Court are available for public inspection. Many common documents, including complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments, are frequently available the same day they are requested. The Maryland Judiciary publishes a reference list of records that are generally available immediately upon request to help set expectations.

    Certain categories of records are restricted by law or court rule. Public access is denied or limited for the following:

    • Juvenile proceedings and records
    • Adoption files
    • Medical and mental health records
    • Sealed or expunged records
    • Grand jury proceedings
    • Records protected by attorney-client privilege
    • Confidential financial information, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifiers
    • Active law enforcement investigations where disclosure could compromise the case
    • Family law records involving child custody arrangements, domestic violence safety plans, and financial affidavits
    • Trade secrets and proprietary business information

    When a record is partially restricted, the custodian may redact the confidential portions and release the remainder. Disputes over access are resolved under the procedures set out in the Maryland Rules, not through the general MPIA complaint process, because court records fall under exclusive judicial administration.

    Wicomico County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Wicomico County are heard in both the Circuit Court and the District Court. The Circuit Court handles felony trials, while the District Court adjudicates misdemeanors, certain felonies, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance infractions. Criminal records generated by these courts include charging documents, bail information, motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and appellate filings.

    Online searching. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal is the primary tool for looking up criminal case information. Select the relevant court system (Circuit or District), choose Wicomico County, and enter the defendant’s name or case number. The results will show charges, disposition, and upcoming court dates.

    In-person requests. Contact the Criminal Division of the Clerk’s Office at (410) 543-1427, option 2, or visit the courthouse at 101 North Division Street, Room 105.

    Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff maintains arrest records and current inmate information. An inmate search tool is available on the Sheriff’s website. The office is located at:

    Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
    1661 Westwood Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801
    Phone: (410) 548-4891

    Statewide criminal background checks. For a formal criminal history report, the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository processes background checks. Requests require fingerprinting at an authorized location. Key fees include:

    Type of CheckMail-In FeeIn-Person Fee*
    Full background (state and FBI)$30.00$50.00
    State background only$18.00$38.00
    State background with Gold Seal$19.00$39.00

    *In-person fees include a $20.00 CJIS service fee for fingerprinting.

    Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) or check. Cash and money orders are not accepted. Mail requests go to:

    CJIS Central Repository
    P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
    Phone: (888) 795-0011 or (410) 764-4501

    Maryland State Police records. The Maryland State Police accept Public Information Act requests for incident reports and other law enforcement records through their online request page. This option is generally limited to the subject of the record, their legal representative, or qualifying beneficiaries.

    Sex offender information. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains the OffenderWatch registry, where Wicomico County sex offender data can be searched by name, address, or zip code.

    Records involving juveniles, sealed or expunged cases, and active investigations are not publicly available. Expungement petitions for eligible cases carry a filing fee of $30.00 for cases with a guilty disposition; no fee applies when charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in acquittal.

    Wicomico County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Wicomico County is divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in dispute. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil actions seeking damages of $5,000 or more, as well as equity matters such as injunctions, declaratory judgments, and foreclosures. The District Court handles civil claims of $30,000 or less, landlord-tenant disputes, and replevin actions. There are no jury trials in District Court.

    Civil records include complaints, answers, counterclaims, discovery materials that have been filed with the court, motions, court orders, judgments, writs of execution, and garnishment proceedings.

    How to search. Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search to find civil case information by party name, business name, or case number. Select the appropriate court system and Wicomico County, then refine by case type or date range.

    How to obtain copies. Contact the Civil Division of the Clerk’s Office at (410) 543-1427, option 3, or visit during business hours. Written requests may also be mailed to the P.O. Box 198 address. Standard copy fees apply ($0.50 per page; $5.00 plus $0.50 per page for certified copies).

    Filing fees for new civil actions. The following fees are set by statute and apply statewide:

    • New civil case filing: $165.00
    • Motion to modify (alimony, custody, support, or visitation): $31.00
    • Petition or motion for contempt: $31.00
    • Voluntary dismissal: $15.00
    • Writ of execution: $31.00
    • Writ of garnishment: $31.00
    • Foreclosure complaint: $165.00 (plus $450.00 additional fee for residential property)
    • Small claims (District Court): filed at the District Court with separate fee schedules

    Court forms for civil actions, including self-represented litigant packets, are available through the Maryland Judiciary website. The People’s Law Library also provides guidance on selecting and completing forms.

    Land records and property matters. Deeds, mortgages, plats, and other recorded instruments are maintained by the Clerk’s Office and accessible through Maryland Land Records, a free online database operated jointly by the Judiciary and the Maryland State Archives. Property ownership and tax assessment data can be searched through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) real property search tool. Select Wicomico County, enter an address or parcel identifier, and retrieve ownership details, assessment values, and sales history.

    Wicomico County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Wicomico County are primarily adjudicated by the Circuit Court’s Family Division. The Circuit Court handles divorce (limited and absolute), child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, paternity, adoption, guardianship, name changes, domestic violence protective orders, and Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) proceedings.

    The Family Services Coordinator can be reached at (410) 334-3127 for procedural questions. Child Support Enforcement inquiries should be directed to (800) 332-6347.

    Accessing family court records. Because family cases often involve sensitive personal and financial information, access is more restricted than for general civil or criminal matters. The following categories are confidential or have limited access:

    • Adoption records
    • Juvenile delinquency and CINA proceedings
    • Domestic violence safety planning details
    • Child custody evaluations and financial disclosures
    • Paternity records
    • Confidential settlement agreements

    Publicly accessible family court docket information appears on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal. To obtain copies of documents from a specific family law case, you must generally be a party to the case, an attorney of record, or have a court order authorizing access. Contact the Clerk’s Office at (410) 543-6551 to inquire about eligibility.

    Domestic violence protective orders. Petitions for protective orders are filed without cost to the petitioner. If the respondent is found in violation, the court may assess a $165.00 fee. Protective order records are available on Case Search but may have restricted details to safeguard victim safety.

    Marriage licenses and records. The Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses and performs civil ceremonies. Key details:

    • License application fee: $35.00 in Wicomico County
    • At least one party must appear in person (non-residents may apply by mail using the Non-Resident Affidavit form)
    • A 48-hour waiting period applies; the license is valid for six months
    • Civil ceremony fee: $25.00 (by appointment; call (410) 543-1427)
    • Ceremony hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
    • Certified copy of a marriage certificate: $5.50 by mail

    Copies of marriage certificates can also be ordered from the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, at a cost of $12.00 per copy. Active and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from copy fees at the Clerk’s Office.

    Divorce records. Divorce decrees are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and can be searched on Case Search. The filing fee for a divorce complaint is $165.00. Certified copies of divorce judgments cost $5.00 plus $0.50 per page. Verification of divorce can also be ordered through the Division of Vital Records.

    Birth and death records. The Wicomico County Health Department’s Vital Records Office processes local requests for birth and death certificates. Birth records become publicly available 100 years after the date of birth; death records are accessible 10 years after the date of death. Before those timeframes, only eligible individuals (the registrant, a parent, legal guardian, spouse, or authorized representative) may request copies.

    Wicomico County Health Department – Vital Records
    4th Floor, Seth H. Hurdle Building, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
    Phone: (410) 543-6949

    Fees: $22.00 for a birth certificate; $20.00 for the first copy of a death certificate, $22.00 for each additional copy. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail (include a completed application, photo ID copy, self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment), or through the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration online ordering system.

    Wicomico County Probate Court Records

    In Maryland, probate matters are handled by the Orphans’ Court and the Register of Wills rather than the Circuit Court’s general docket. The Wicomico County Orphans’ Court presides over will contests, estate administration disputes, guardianship of minors (shared jurisdiction with the Circuit Court), claims against estates, and fiduciary accounting reviews.

    Wicomico County Register of Wills
    Address: 101 North Division Street, Room 102, Salisbury, MD 21801
    Mailing: P.O. Box 787, Salisbury, MD 21803
    Phone: (410) 543-6635
    Toll-Free: (888) 786-0018
    Fax: (410) 334-3440

    The Register of Wills is the administrative office that accepts probate filings, maintains estate case records, assists personal representatives with required forms, collects inheritance tax, and tracks the progress of estate administration. The Honorable Karen A. Lemon serves as Register of Wills for Wicomico County.

    Online estate search. The Maryland Register of Wills provides a statewide Estate Search database, covering decedent name, case number, date of death, personal representative, attorney, estate type, and estate status. Data availability varies by county based on when the automated system was deployed. Copy requests placed through the Estate Search portal require online payment and are non-refundable.

    Probate forms. Standard probate forms, including petitions for administration, inventories, accounts, and guardianship applications, are available through the Maryland Register of Wills website and the Maryland Judiciary’s wills and estates page. Filing fees vary by petition type; the Register’s office can provide current fee estimates.

    Fiduciary accounts. The Clerk’s Office charges the following fees for filing and review of annual fiduciary accounts:

    • Filing: $10.00
    • Review (estate value $0–$10,000): $10.00
    • Review (estate value $10,001–$25,000): $20.00
    • Review (estate value over $25,000): $30.00

    What records are available. Probate records are generally public and may be inspected at the Register of Wills office or searched through the online portal. However, guardianship records involving minors and records relating to mental health evaluations or involuntary commitments may be restricted.

    To request probate records in person, bring a valid photo ID and provide the decedent’s name and approximate date of death or the case number. For mail requests, write to the Register of Wills at the P.O. Box 787 address with the same identifying information, a description of the documents needed, and a check for applicable copy fees. Telephone inquiries can be directed to (410) 543-6635.