Dorchester County Court Records

Dorchester County court records are official documents generated by the county’s courts during a judicial proceeding. Per the Maryland Rules of Procedure, these records may be in written, digitized, microfilmed, photographed, or recorded formats, as specified in Maryland Code, General Provisions Article, Section 4-101(k)(1)(ii).

Court records help to provide detailed insights into court cases, including legal decisions and precedents, for the benefit of the public, legal practitioners, and relevant parties. Ultimately, they are an invaluable part of legal research, helping to resolve disputes and ensure judicial compliance with state laws.

Are Court Records Public in Dorchester County?

Yes, under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), court records in Dorchester County are public and generally accessible. However, specific records may be restricted from public disclosure or deemed confidential due to federal, state, or court orders. Some of these exempt or confidential records include:

• Personally identifiable information, including social security and tax identification numbers.
• Records protected by federal or state laws or court orders.
• Juvenile or minor case files.
• Family law records, such as adoption or domestic abuse cases.
• Financial or medical records.
• Subpoena-related case files.
• Unexecuted warrants and related affidavits.
• Information whose disclosure might compromise ongoing investigations, such as informant details.

Dorchester County Court Records Search

Court records for Dorchester County may be accessed through:

• Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
• Maryland Judiciary Case Search
• District Court of Dorchester County
• Maryland State Archives
• Third-Party Services

Dorchester County Courts

The addresses and contact information of courthouses in Dorchester County, Maryland are as follows:

Dorchester County Circuit Court
Dorchester County Courthouse
206 High St,
P.O. Box 150,
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0481

Dorchester County District Court
310 Gay St,
P.O. Box 547,
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 901-1420

Dorchester County Orphans' Court
Dorchester County Courthouse
206 High St,
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-4181
Fax: (410) 228-4988

Dorchester County Criminal and Civil Records

In Dorchester County, Maryland, the Circuit Court serves as the primary trial court for serious criminal cases. According to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article (§ 1-501 et seq.), the Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for managing and preserving all court records related to these proceedings. Individuals seeking access to criminal court records may contact:

Clerk of the Circuit Court for Dorchester County
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0481

Requests for criminal court files can be made in writing, in person during normal business hours, or through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal. It is essential to provide as much identifying information as possible (e.g., case number, defendant’s full name) to expedite the search and retrieval of records. Note that certain case information may be sealed or restricted by court order in accordance with Maryland law (Maryland Rules, Title 16, Chapter 900).

Most civil actions in Dorchester County fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court, especially when the amount in controversy exceeds $30,000, as described by the Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article (§ 4-402). The Circuit Court also shares concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court for claims exceeding $5,000 but not more than $30,000. Common civil matters include contract disputes, tort claims, property disputes, and appeals from administrative agencies.

To obtain these civil court records, interested parties can:

Visit in Person:
Clerk of the Circuit Court – Civil Department
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613

Submit a Written Request by Mail:

Send a letter detailing the requested information, including case numbers, party names, and any required fees, to the address above

Dorchester County Marriage Records

Divorce records, including case filings, decrees, and related documents, are maintained by the Circuit Court for Dorchester County, in line with Maryland Family Law Article (§ 7-101 et seq.). To obtain these records, submit a request in person, by mail, or through the online portals:

Clerk of the Circuit Court – Family Division
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613

Requests should include both parties’ names, the approximate date of divorce, and any known case identifiers. Some older records may be accessible through the Maryland State Archives.

Divorce Records in Dorchester County

Marriage records for Dorchester County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Under Maryland Family Law Article (§ 2-401 et seq.), certified copies are obtainable by submitting a request with the required names, date of marriage, and associated fees. Divorce verifications and certain marriage records (beginning January 1, 2007) may also be obtained through the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, subject to eligibility:

Requesting Marriage Records from the Circuit Court:
Clerk of the Circuit Court – Marriage Records Department
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0481

Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records:
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Phone: (410) 764-3038

Fees vary, and instructions for online requests are available at the above websites. Earlier marriages and divorce records may be accessible through the Maryland State Archives.

Dorchester County Birth Records

In Maryland, birth and death certificates are primarily issued by the Maryland Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records, as per Maryland Health-General Article (§ 4-201 et seq.). The Dorchester County Health Department does not provide same-day walk-in services for vital records, but does assist with certain application processes.

Dorchester County Health Department
3 Cedar Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-3223

Current fees, identification requirements, and application forms are available on their website. Requests can be made in person at the Division of Vital Records in Baltimore or via mail at:

Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036

Older birth and death records (generally over 100 years old) may be found at the Maryland State Archives.

Dorchester County Probate Court Records

Probate records, including wills, estate inventories, and related documents, are supervised by the Register of Wills for Dorchester County, under authority granted by the Estates and Trusts Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (§ 2-101 et seq.). These records document the distribution of assets, resolution of debts, and the appointment of personal representatives.

Register of Wills for Dorchester County
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-4181

Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. For historical estate records, digital indexes may be available through the Maryland State Archives or the online Estate Search tool

Dorchester County Property Records

Property records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents related to real estate transactions. The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) maintains assessment and tax data, while the Clerk of the Circuit Court records land instruments. Maryland Real Property Article (§ 3-101 et seq.) governs these documents.

Clerk of the Circuit Court – Land Records Division
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0481

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation

Records can be obtained online at no cost through mdlandrec.net (requires free registration). Having property identifiers such as the address, owner’s name, or parcel number will help expedite the search.

Dorchester County Court Records Online

Many Dorchester County court records are accessible through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal and third-party websites like Marylandcourtrecords.us. While these sites typically offer the convenience of remote access, users are advised to verify the accuracy of information obtained from non-official sources.