Access to Justice Resource Center
More information will be posted when available.
Founded in fall 2024, the Access to Justice Resource Center is the first of its kind in the state of Maryland. Our Center is dedicated to supporting those who do not have access to a lawyer in navigating filling out court paperwork, serving court papers and researching law for their cases. Through our values of service, collaboration and compassion we aim to be a warm, welcoming environment for anyone seeking access to justice.
Services
The Center functions as a one-stop shop for self-represented litigants (SRLs) in civil and family cases, allowing them access to the same print and electronic resources attorneys use. While the Center cannot give legal advice, file paperwork for you or represent you in court, we can provide the following services:
- Case Assistance—Includes explaining court processes and help with opening, answering or moving your case forward. Check the status of your case online.
- Computer Access:
- Case search
- Free printing, copying/scanning, e-filing
- Land records legal research
- Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) kiosk
- Language Access—Court interpreters can be assigned to any proceeding before a judge or a magistrate, and can include other court-approved, eligible events. The interpreter will remain completely neutral and ensure all testimony is translated as accurately as possible so all parties, witnesses, attorneys, jurors, the judge and court staff can understand what is being read or stated.
- Legal Self-Help—Help with court forms, which are provided by the Center staff or may be obtained at the Clerk’s Office. Most forms are also available through the Maryland Judiciary.
- Library Services—Access to research materials and computers for public use.
- Referrals and Resources—Connecting you with local assistance and community organizations.
From the County
- Library's Online Catalog
- Public Defender's Office—For criminal cases.
From the State
- Bar Association—Publishes legal information brochures for the public.
- Free online classes—Webinars on various topics, taught by attorneys (clases en linea gratuitas)
- Help Center
- Laws and rules of the Court
- Self-help videos
Additional Resources
| Organization | Services | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Justice, Inc. | Nonprofit corporation that increases the delivery of legal services to clients of low and moderate income for various civil matters. Offers limited-scope representation in foreclosure matters. | Phone: 443-853-1011 |
| Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) Baltimore County Bar Association |
A nonprofit public service project that:
|
Phone: 410-337-9100 |
| Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) |
Expands access to justice by providing free, compassionate, innovative, and high-quality legal services in civil cases. |
Phone: 410-260-1392 |
| Maryland Legal Aid | Provides a full range of free, civil legal services to financially eligible individuals from 12 office locations. Their legal work helps to protect peoples’ basic needs and human rights. | Phone: 410-427-1800 |
| Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Services |
Provides free, civil legal help for eligible applicants with limited income, including being matched with a volunteer lawyer or tax professional. |
Phone: 410-547-6537 |
| Peoples' Law Library (PLL) |
A legal information and self-help website maintained by the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library. Offers a Limited Scope Representation program from the Civil Justice Network. | Phone: 410-260-1392 |
| Women's Law Center of Maryland | Assist in family law matters, such as domestic violence, immigration remedies and employment law. | Phone: 410-321-8761 Family Law Hotline: 1-800-845-8550 |
Most requested FORMS
While the Judiciary provides some official forms those forms do not cover the wide range of possible court filings. This is especially true of family law issues, where most forms must be created by the party. Below are examples of the most requested forms, some official and some created by our Center:
- Blank Motion—Official form from the Judiciary.
- Petition for Judicial Review—Sample form with helpful notes.
- Exception to a Magistrate's Report—Sample form, direct any questions to your attorney.
- Nonmilitary Affidavit—When submitting default requests or petitions to the Court, federal law requires submitting a Certificate of Active Duty Status
along with the request. The federal website requires the birthdate or social security number of the nonresponsive party to generate the certificate. Also include the first name in the search form, which is not required for the search, but is required by this Court for the certificate or affidavit to be accepted. Download a Request for Order of Default form from the Maryland Courts website.
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