FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is Maryland Guide & File? Maryland Guide & File is a web-based tool that helps users fill out court forms. The program adds answers from the interview questions into the form. Users can then print the form and file with the court in person or by mail. Electronic filing directly from the interview is available for some interviews. (Not available for cases filed in Baltimore City.) What are the benefits to using Maryland Guide & File? The interviews help to make legal issues easier to understand. Help content based on the questions in the interview. Users can complete forms anywhere with internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Creates court forms that are complete and legible.
The “Next Steps” document outlines what filers need to do next in the process. Electronically file your case and documents remotely for some court matters. How much does it cost to use Maryland Guide & File?
It is free to use Maryland Guide & File to create, save, and print your court forms. Users must still pay any filing fees before the court will open the case. If the user is unable to pay the court filing fees, they may file a Request for Waiver of Prepaid
Costs (CC-DC-089) (available in PDF or Guide & File interview). What forms can be completed using Maryland Guide & File?
The current list of all interviews is available at: mdcourts.gov/guideandfile. Interviews are not available for every form or legal matter, but more interviews will be added as they become available. If you cannot find the form or legal topic you are looking for, go to: mdcourts.gov/forms for fillable forms. Do users need to register to use Maryland Guide & File? No. A user account is not required to create and print court forms in Maryland Guide & File. But, the user’s information is not saved unless they have an account and are signed in. Users must register if they would like to file electronically (e-file) at the end of the interview, if the option is available. What are the benefits of having a user account in Maryland Guide & File? Guide & File saves the person’s work at the end of every page; Users may go back to finish answering questions, or edit what was already answered; and A user account is necessary to electronically file (e-file) at the end of the interview, if the option is available. Who can use Maryland Guide & File? Anyone with internet access and a need to complete court forms may use the system. Users who do not have an attorney may find the program most helpful. Is use of Maryland Guide & File mandatory? No. Maryland Guide & File is a tool to help individuals complete court forms. Fillable forms are still available online for free at: https://mdcourts.gov/forms. Also, two (2) free copies of most forms are available from a District Court clerk. Extra forms may cost $.50 each. What hardware/software is needed to use Maryland Guide & File? A computer is required. Users must have Internet access, a web processer (Google Chrome is preferred), and the ability to print forms if filing in person or by mail. What should the user have available before they begin an interview? The list of documents needed to answer the questions is available at the start of each interview. All interviews will need: Contact information (name, address, telephone number) of the parties; and Court location where filing the case.
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August 2022
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