COURTS & LEGAL MATTERS
Ever wonder how a bill becomes law or where you go to get a marriage license? Here you can find the answers to these and other questions.
COURTS
LEGAL FORMS LIBRARIES
PRISONERS, PAROLE & PROBATION
RELATED SERVICES
HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW
Civil Marriages
The Clerk of the Court (410-313-5850) performs civil marriages at the Circuit Court for Howard County, located at 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043. The hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The ceremony fee is $25.00 CASH only - payable the day of the ceremony. (You must first apply for your marriage license at the Land Records/Licensing Department for the Circuit Court at the Thomas Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045.)
Court Security
The office of the Sheriff (410-313-2150) provides security for judges, juries and witnesses during trial sessions of the Circuit, District, Domestic and Juvenile courts. Deputies supervise holding cells for waiting prisoners, patrol courthouse hallways and operate the metal detector at the entrance.
Estate Probate
The Orphans Court (410-313-2133) reviews all probate estates and appoints guardians for the property of minors. It schedules judicial hearings when requested in the administration of an estate or guardianship account. The court works closely with the Register of Wills to safeguard the property of minors, decedents, family members, legatees and others who have interest in assets of an estate.
Generous Jurors
Citizens called to serve as jurors can donate their fees to the foster care program for services that directly help children. Call the County Council (410-313-3120) for details.
Jury Duty
The Jury Commissioner (410-313-3804) mails notices to residents who have been randomly selected from the voter rolls or motor vehicle list to serve a one-week term on jury duty. A schedule indicates which day panel members may be needed in court. The average trial takes two days; jurors receive $10 for each half day of service.
Marriage Licenses
A marriage license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court (410-313-5850) is required for couples to be married in Howard County. The license department is located at the Land Records/Licensing Department at the Thomas Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045. The license costs $50.00 CASH only. Only one of the parties needs to apply. Both parties must be over 18 years of age. (Applicants 17 and younger are required to call the license department prior to applying.) Forms of identification (driver's license, birth certificate or a passport) must be presented for both parties. Marriage applications will not be accepted after 4:00 p.m.
The application asks for the following information for both parties: full name, address, age, state/country of birth, marital status and social security numbers. (Social security numbers are required by State Law and will not be displayed on the marriage license.) If divorced or widowed, the exact date and place of divorce or death is needed. If divorced within the last year at time of application, a certified copy of the divorce decree must be presented. After application, the license, which is not effective until 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day, will be issued. The license must be used within 6 months.
Public Records
The Clerk of the Circuit Court (410-313-2111) maintains public records of marriage licenses and divorces, civil and criminal cases and land transactions (including deeds). Land transactions and marriage licenses can be obtained at the Land Records/Licensing Department located at the Thomas Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045. Circuit Court records may be obtained at the Circuit Court, 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043.
Serving Legal Papers
The Sheriff's office (410-313-2150) processes and serves legal papers issued by the Circuit and District courts of Maryland and by other legal agencies in the United States that forward papers to Howard County.
Business Licenses
The Clerk of the Court (410-313-5850) issues some business licenses. There is an application process and fees associated with obtaining a business license. The license department is located at the Land Records/Licensing Department for the Circuit Court at the Thomas Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045.
The following links will direct you to web pages where you can download official forms of the Maryland Judiciary.
Department of Family Administration
Administrative Office of the Courts
- DOMESTIC RELATIONS FORMS
- PETITION FOR PROTECTION
- CASE MANAGEMENT
- JUDGMENTS & ORDERS
Clerks Office for the Circuit Court of Howard County
Community Service
Howard County courts and the State's Attorney's Office refer clients to this community based alternative sentencing program administered by the Sheriff's Office (410-313-2660). After screening, clients perform community service for government or non-profit agencies.
Detention Center
The mission of the Detention Center (410-313-5200) is to protect the citizens of Howard County by providing a secure facility for legally confined persons, and to provide for the safety of inmates and staff while maintaining a humane living and working environment. The center provides a balanced correctional program that meets applicable county, state and federal standards.
Inmate Population
Inmates are held in the 361-bed Detention Center (410-313-5200) for a variety of offenses, from misdemeanors to major felonies. About 57% are under 30 years of age; 32% are 30-39. Confinement is usually short-term:
- 48% less than 48 hours
- 29% 2 days-4 weeks
- 13% 1-3 months
- 6% 4-6 months
- 3% 6-12 months
- 1% over 12 months
Inmate Programs
Services for inmates at the Detention Center (410-313-5200) include: substance abuse counseling and treatment by the Health Department, basic education (General Equivalency Diploma) from Howard Community College staff, a Resource Center through the counth Library, work release and home detention programs, and jail ministry from volunteers.
Parole and Probation
The Division of Parole and Probation (410-461-0420) of the State Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services supervises people placed on probation by the courts and people on parole from state prisons and the Detention Center. Offenders report to the office and agents visit homes, jobs or the community. Various public and private drug, alcohol and mental health agencies provide needed treatment or therapy.
Transporting Prisoners
The Office of the Sheriff (410-313-2150) is responsible for bringing all confined defendants to the courts. Deputies travel to different jurisdictions to return prisoners to Howard County courts.
Warrant Service
The Fugitive Squad of the Sheriff's Office (410-313-4170) serves bench warrants issued by the Circuit Court for subjects who fail to appear for court or violate their probation.
Copies of Legislation
Contact the County Council office (410-313-2001) for status or copies of council legislation. E-mail the Council Office to receive meeting announcements and agendas by e-mail.
Unpaid Child Support
The Fugitive Squad of the Sheriff's Office (410-313-4170) works with the State's Attorney's Child Support unit to bring into custody individuals who are in arrears in child support payments.
Unpaid Debts
The Sheriff's Office (410-313-2150) carries out court judgements against citizens who fail to pay debts, and can seize and sell property at auction to satisfy claims of a creditor.
Unpaid Rent
The Landlord/Tenant Unit of the Sheriff's Office (410-313-4222) serves District Court notices to tenants in arrears on rent and performs court ordered evictions.
- Private citizens, the County Executive or County Council members may generate ideas for legislation.
- A member of the County Council staff or the Legislative Coordinator drafts a bill and works with county departments, affected citizens and the Office of Law to be sure the legislation is appropriate, workable and legally correct.
- Members of the council introduce bills at the legislative session (generally the first Monday of the month). On introduction, the council administrator reads the titles into the record.
- At a public hearing (generally the third Monday of the month), the bill's sponsors explain the bill and its effect on the county and its citizens. The public is invited to give testimony on the bill.
- If there are outstanding issues to discuss or if the bill needs amending, the council may place it on the agenda of a work session (generally the fourth Tuesday of the month.)
- The County Council votes on the bill at the legislative session the following month. Bills may be tabled, but they die if no action is taken within 65 days. (This may be extended to 95 days.) At least three council members must vote affirmatively for a bill to pass.
- The County Executive has 10 days to sign or veto a bill. Four votes of the County Council will overturn a veto.
- Most bills go into effect 61 days after the County Executive signs them or 61 days after a veto is overturned; some bills are immediately effective.
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