Wicomico County Court Records

What Is Wicomico County Court Records

Court records in Wicomico County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities maintained by various courts operating within Wicomico County, Maryland. Pursuant to Maryland Rules § 16-902, court records include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
• Docket entries and case summaries
• Judicial opinions, orders, and judgments
• Transcripts of hearings and trials
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information and probation records
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
• Adoption proceedings and guardianship appointments

Court records differ from other public records such as vital records (birth, death certificates) and property records (deeds, liens), which are typically maintained by county administrative offices rather than judicial entities. The Maryland Judiciary maintains court records through several courts operating in Wicomico County:

• Circuit Court for Wicomico County (general jurisdiction)
• District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County (limited jurisdiction)
• Orphans' Court (probate matters)

These courts collectively handle civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides a centralized database for accessing many of these records electronically, though some documents require in-person inspection at the respective courthouse.

Are Court Records Public In Wicomico County

Court records in Wicomico County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Maryland's Public Information Act § 4-101 and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Maryland Constitution, Article IV, § 10, establishes that "the courts shall be open" to all persons, reinforcing the presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and their associated records.

Members of the public may access:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
• Criminal case records (post-charging)
• Court dockets and calendars
• Judgments, orders, and opinions
• Marriage and divorce records
• Property records related to judicial proceedings

However, public access is not unlimited. The Maryland Rules § 16-934 establishes specific categories of records that may be shielded from public view, including:

• Juvenile proceedings (except under limited circumstances)
• Mental health cases
• Adoption records
• Certain domestic violence proceedings
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Information protected by federal law (such as social security numbers)

The Maryland Judiciary has implemented a tiered access system that balances public transparency with privacy concerns. This system, governed by the Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records, categorizes information based on sensitivity and restricts access accordingly. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are governed by separate federal regulations and accessed through the PACER system rather than county or state platforms.

How To Find Court Records in Wicomico County in 2026

Accessing court records in Wicomico County involves several methods depending on the type of record sought and its availability. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to obtain court documents:

Online Access:

• Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
• Enter search criteria such as party name, case number, or filing date
• Review available case information and document listings
• Note that while case summaries are viewable online, many full documents require in-person retrieval

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
• Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
• Provide case identification information (names, case numbers, dates)
• Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
• Allow processing time for extensive or archived records

Circuit Court Records:

Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street, Room 104
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Circuit Court for Wicomico County

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court Records:

District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County
201 Baptist Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-334-3325
District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For records not available through standard channels, individuals may submit a Public Information Act request to the custodian of records at the relevant court. Requests should specify the documents sought with reasonable particularity and may require payment of search and duplication fees.

How To Look Up Court Records in Wicomico County Online?

Wicomico County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. These digital resources provide varying levels of access to court documents and case information:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search:

• Navigate to the official Case Search portal
• Accept the terms and conditions of use
• Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
• Access case information including:
  • Party names and attorney information
  • Case type and status
  • Hearing dates and locations
  • Docket entries and case events
  • Judgment information

Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC):

• Register for an account on the MDEC system
• Log in with credentials
• Search for cases where you are a party or attorney
• View and download available documents
• File new documents electronically in eligible cases

Land Records Online:

• Visit the MDLandRec.net portal
• Create a free account
• Search property records, deeds, mortgages, and liens
• View and print document images

Orphans' Court Records:

• Access through the Register of Wills website
• Search estate proceedings and probate records
• View case status and filings

The Maryland Courts Records portal provides comprehensive guidance on electronic access options and limitations. Users should note that certain sensitive documents may be viewable only at courthouse terminals even when case information appears in online searches. Additionally, older records (generally pre-2015) may have limited online availability and might require in-person requests at the courthouse.

How To Search Wicomico County Court Records for Free?

Maryland law provides for free public inspection of court records, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Maryland Rules § 16-905, the right to inspect judicial records shall be without charge, while reproduction costs are permitted at reasonable rates.

Free access options include:

Online Resources:

• Maryland Judiciary Case Search - Provides free access to case information including party names, case types, filing dates, and docket entries
• MDLandRec.net - Offers free access to land records after creating an account
• Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) Public Portal - Allows free viewing of publicly available case information

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse during business hours
• Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
• Examine documents without charge (copying fees apply if printed)

Public Law Library:

Wicomico County Law Library
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street, 3rd Floor
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-548-7382

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The law library provides free access to legal research materials and may assist with locating court records. Additionally, the People's Law Library of Maryland offers guidance on accessing court records without charge.

While basic record searches are free, users should be aware of potential fees for:

• Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
• Certified copies ($5.00 plus copy fees)
• Record retrievals from archives ($10.00 retrieval fee)
• Research assistance for records without specific case information ($30.00 per hour)

What's Included in a Wicomico County Court Record?

Court records in Wicomico County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The contents typically include:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Exhibits and evidence presented
• Transcripts of hearings and trial proceedings
• Court orders and judgments
• Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
• Appeals documentation

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (indictments or information)
• Arrest warrants and returns
• Bail and bond information
• Pretrial motions and rulings
• Plea agreements
• Trial exhibits and evidence
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing documents
• Probation reports (may be restricted)
• Post-conviction proceedings

Family Law Records:

• Divorce petitions and responses
• Child custody and support documents
• Marital property statements
• Domestic violence protective orders
• Adoption petitions and decrees
• Guardianship applications
• Paternity determinations
• Parenting plans
• Financial statements (may be restricted)

Probate Records:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Accountings of estate administration
• Distribution plans
• Guardianship reports
• Estate tax information

According to the Maryland Rules on Court Records, each case file also contains a docket sheet summarizing all filings, hearings, and actions taken in chronological order. This serves as an index to the complete record and is typically the most accessible component of the court file.

How Long Does Wicomico County Keep Court Records?

Wicomico County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Maryland Judiciary. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance. The Maryland Court Records Retention and Disposal Schedule governs these timeframes:

Circuit Court Records:

• Criminal felony cases: Permanent retention for serious crimes (murder, rape)
• Other felonies: 20 years after case closure
• Criminal misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
• Civil cases: 12 years after final judgment
• Domestic relations cases: 80 years for divorce, 50 years for custody
• Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
• Land records and property judgments: Permanent retention
• Wills and estate proceedings: Permanent retention

District Court Records:

• Criminal cases: 3-10 years depending on disposition
• Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
• Civil cases: 3 years after judgment
• Landlord-tenant matters: 3 years after disposition
• Domestic violence: 5 years after expiration of order

Pursuant to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 16-505, certain historically significant records may be transferred to the Maryland State Archives for permanent preservation rather than destruction after their retention period expires. Additionally, records may be converted to electronic format for space-saving purposes while maintaining their legal validity.

Individuals seeking older records should note that:

• Records within retention periods are typically available at the courthouse
• Records past retention periods may have been destroyed according to schedule
• Some historical records may be available through the Maryland State Archives
• Microfilmed or digitized versions may exist for records no longer in paper form

Types of Courts In Wicomico County

Wicomico County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels:

Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Circuit Court for Wicomico County

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases, serious criminal matters, family law, and appeals from the District Court. It conducts jury trials and maintains land records, business licenses, and marriage licenses.

District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County
201 Baptist Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-334-3325
District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The District Court handles misdemeanors, minor civil cases (under $30,000), traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, protective orders, and preliminary hearings for felonies.

Orphans' Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street, Room 102
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Orphans' Court oversees probate matters, including will validation, estate administration, and guardianship of minors' property.

The Maryland court system follows a hierarchical structure:

1. District Court (limited jurisdiction, no jury trials)
2. Circuit Court (general jurisdiction, jury trials, appeals from District Court)
3. Court of Special Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
4. Court of Appeals (Maryland's highest court)

Federal cases arising in Wicomico County are heard in:

United States District Court for the District of Maryland - Northern Division
101 West Lombard Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-962-2600
U.S. District Court - Maryland

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What Types of Cases Do Wicomico County Courts Hear?

Wicomico County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions:

Circuit Court Case Types:

• Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $30,000)
• Serious criminal cases (felonies and jailable misdemeanors)
• Family law matters:
  • Divorce and annulment
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Alimony and child support
  • Adoption and guardianship
• Juvenile proceedings:
  • Delinquency cases
  • Child welfare (CINA - Children in Need of Assistance)
• Equity matters:
  • Property disputes
  • Injunctions and restraining orders
• Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
• Land record transactions
• Estate and probate appeals
• Business and commercial litigation

District Court Case Types:

• Civil claims up to $30,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
• Protective orders and peace orders
• Traffic violations
• Criminal misdemeanors and violations
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Small claims (civil matters under $5,000)
• Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)
• Municipal ordinance violations
• Bail hearings

Orphans' Court Case Types:

• Probate of wills
• Appointment of personal representatives
• Oversight of estate administration
• Guardianship of minors' property
• Disputes regarding estate assets
• Review of personal representative actions
• Approval of estate accountings

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 1-501 for Circuit Courts and § 4-301 for District Courts. These statutes define the monetary thresholds, subject matter jurisdiction, and concurrent jurisdiction provisions that determine which court hears specific cases.

How To Find a Court Docket In Wicomico County

Court dockets in Wicomico County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These calendars are accessible through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

• Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search
• Search by case number, party name, or attorney
• View upcoming hearing dates and times
• Check daily docket information for specific courtrooms
• Access the Maryland Courts Current Dockets page for daily schedules

Courthouse Electronic Displays:

• Check digital monitors in courthouse lobbies
• View daily case assignments by courtroom
• Confirm hearing locations and times
• Note last-minute schedule changes

Clerk's Office Inquiry:

• Contact the appropriate court clerk's office:
  • Circuit Court: 410-543-6551
  • District Court: 410-334-3325
• Request docket information for specific dates
• Verify case status and scheduled proceedings

Case Notifications:

• Register for Maryland Judiciary eNotifications
• Receive email or text alerts about case activities
• Get reminders about upcoming court dates
• Track docket changes for cases of interest

For specialized dockets such as criminal arraignments, foreclosure proceedings, or motion hearings, contact the specific division within the courthouse handling those matters. The Circuit Court for Wicomico County and District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County websites provide contact information for these divisions.

Attorneys and parties to cases can access more detailed docket information through secure portals such as the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system after proper authentication.

Which Courts in Wicomico County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Maryland's judicial system, "courts of record" maintain formal transcripts and documentation of proceedings, while "courts not of record" typically conduct less formal proceedings without verbatim transcripts. According to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 1-602, courts of record include the Court of Appeals, Court of Special Appeals, Circuit Courts, and, with certain limitations, District Courts.

In Wicomico County, courts not of record include:

Orphans' Court:

• Handles probate matters without formal transcription
• Maintains records of decisions but not verbatim proceedings
• Appeals from this court receive de novo review (completely new hearing) in Circuit Court
• Governed by Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts § 2-102

Administrative Hearings:

• Motor Vehicle Administration hearings
• Workers' compensation proceedings
• Unemployment insurance appeals
• Local zoning and code enforcement hearings
• These are not technically courts but administrative tribunals

Small Claims Division of District Court:

• For civil claims under $5,000
• Operates with relaxed rules of evidence and procedure
• While technically part of the District Court (a court of record), small claims proceedings follow simplified procedures with less comprehensive record-keeping

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:

• Appeal procedures (de novo vs. on the record)
• Availability of transcripts for review
• Formality of proceedings
• Precedential value of decisions

When a case is appealed from a court not of record, the reviewing court typically conducts a completely new hearing rather than reviewing a transcript of the original proceeding. This de novo review provides a fresh opportunity to present evidence and arguments.

Lookup Court Records in Wicomico County

Circuit Court for Wicomico County Records

Wicomico County Court Records Search

Maryland Judiciary Court Records Portal

District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County