Circuit Court-Family Law Division

It's a trip getting here, meaning this isn't my 1st time here. I had to figure out the parking, buying parking ticket from machine and walking to courthouse which isn't bad. People inside courthouse are very friendly and willing to help you if needed.

Initially they move rather quickly and we were able to assist our dad with his divorce. However, when the divorce decree cam it was missing two agreed points that need to listed on the decree. We emailed the court requesting for a revised decree. After a week we called up there to see 1. If they received the email and 2. If if the request can get processed rather quickly. We were told they will have to review the recordings and give us a call back. Well it's been over three weeks since we spoke with them and no response yet. Ridiculous!! Just know if they make a mistake, they will drag their feet to revise it.

Initially they move rather quickly and we were able to assist our dad with his divorce. However, when the divorce decree cam it was missing two agreed points that need to listed on the decree. We emailed the court requesting for a revised decree. After a week we called up there to see 1. If they received the email and 2. If if the request can get processed rather quickly. We were told they will have to review the recordings and give us a call back. Well it's been over three weeks since we spoke with them and no response yet. Ridiculous!! Just know if they make a mistake, they will drag their feet to revise it.

I hate having to go to PG's court systems or even call in. Every time I call it takes about 30 min before someone can pick up the phone and actually assist me. Out of all the county's in MD, PG is the worst. Their system is awful and slow, their turn around time on sending documents or even processing documents is ridiculous. Trust me when I say you're wasting your time if expect them to be punctual.

I hate having to go to PG's court systems or even call in. Every time I call it takes about 30 min before someone can pick up the phone and actually assist me. Out of all the county's in MD, PG is the worst. Their system is awful and slow, their turn around time on sending documents or even processing documents is ridiculous. Trust me when I say you're wasting your time if expect them to be punctual.

This court is terrible... they mailed out a file custody order with incorrect information, then told me I would have to pay for a transcript in order to “make sure” that what was written in the order was incorrect... transcripts are NOT cheap. I don’t understand why a fee has to be paid by a party because of the courts error. They are the absolute WORSE!!! D.C courts and other officials (police etc.) seemed like they weren’t surprised by PG County’s B.S. apparently, they hear people make complaints about the way they handle business quite often.

This court is terrible... they mailed out a file custody order with incorrect information, then told me I would have to pay for a transcript in order to “make sure” that what was written in the order was incorrect... transcripts are NOT cheap. I don’t understand why a fee has to be paid by a party because of the courts error. They are the absolute WORSE!!! D.C courts and other officials (police etc.) seemed like they weren’t surprised by PG County’s B.S. apparently, they hear people make complaints about the way they handle business quite often.

I concur with Damien above about his experience with Mag Judge Woodall. My husband has had her several times before we were married and it was disastrous for him. When we had to go back to court for modification of Child Support and Custody hearing I insisted that we get an attorney. Totally different attitude and seemingly more fair! This speaks to "the man who represents himself, has a fool for a client" attitude that a lot of judges have. I don't know why this particular judge can be so difficult towards black men ( although I have my theories) but I suspect a lot of it is personal perception; which should not take place as a judge. I have a good friend who had a terrible experience with Upper Marlboro when he divorced as well...with a black lady judge...hmmm could it have been the same one? I am well versed in court operations because I have worked in the court system for 20 years so one thing I know is true....never go in there without your ducks in a row...never go in there unrepresented by counsel. I know it's expensive, but if you can get an attorney get one. That attorney is going be cheaper than you getting screwed over financially for a long period time! Also, as a dad, I know you hate the court system BUT file contempt when you need to, if you cannot pay ( loss of job, pay decrease) do not continue to get your check raped or go in to arrears-go file for a modification of support ASAP! Most of all...when you get a notice to come to court for a filing or a modification FILE YOUR ANSWER. Do not be vague in your answer, be very specific about what you want, especially if you have to represent yourself. Most judges I know will not allow you to talk, or bring up anything you failed to provide in a written answer. It is very very important to respond to the complaint if you want to be heard. Also if you respond to the complaint keep in mind the judge will not allow you to bring up any new accusations before the court orally...write them out and bring them to court and ask the judge to accept your amendment to your original answer. If filing an answer in the Clerk's office (within the 30 days allowed) keep a copy for your self ( do not give them your only copy of anything...clerk's do lose or misfile things), make sure you have mailed a certified copy of any motions, amendments, answers etc. to the other party and file the original cc receipt (keep a copy for yourself) with the court. If you miss the filing time bring your documents with copies for all parties ( the court, yourself, and opposing side) to court and ask the judge if the court can accept these documents and note you have copies for all. Hope this helps someone out! Good Luck!

I concur with Damien above about his experience with Mag Judge Woodall. My husband has had her several times before we were married and it was disastrous for him. When we had to go back to court for modification of Child Support and Custody hearing I insisted that we get an attorney. Totally different attitude and seemingly more fair! This speaks to "the man who represents himself, has a fool for a client" attitude that a lot of judges have. I don't know why this particular judge can be so difficult towards black men ( although I have my theories) but I suspect a lot of it is personal perception; which should not take place as a judge. I have a good friend who had a terrible experience with Upper Marlboro when he divorced as well...with a black lady judge...hmmm could it have been the same one? I am well versed in court operations because I have worked in the court system for 20 years so one thing I know is true....never go in there without your ducks in a row...never go in there unrepresented by counsel. I know it's expensive, but if you can get an attorney get one. That attorney is going be cheaper than you getting screwed over financially for a long period time! Also, as a dad, I know you hate the court system BUT file contempt when you need to, if you cannot pay ( loss of job, pay decrease) do not continue to get your check raped or go in to arrears-go file for a modification of support ASAP! Most of all...when you get a notice to come to court for a filing or a modification FILE YOUR ANSWER. Do not be vague in your answer, be very specific about what you want, especially if you have to represent yourself. Most judges I know will not allow you to talk, or bring up anything you failed to provide in a written answer. It is very very important to respond to the complaint if you want to be heard. Also if you respond to the complaint keep in mind the judge will not allow you to bring up any new accusations before the court orally...write them out and bring them to court and ask the judge to accept your amendment to your original answer. If filing an answer in the Clerk's office (within the 30 days allowed) keep a copy for your self ( do not give them your only copy of anything...clerk's do lose or misfile things), make sure you have mailed a certified copy of any motions, amendments, answers etc. to the other party and file the original cc receipt (keep a copy for yourself) with the court. If you miss the filing time bring your documents with copies for all parties ( the court, yourself, and opposing side) to court and ask the judge if the court can accept these documents and note you have copies for all. Hope this helps someone out! Good Luck!