Harford County Court Records

Filings submitted during legal cases in the Harford County Circuit, District, and Orphans’ Courts are referred to as court records. Information and documents within these records, such as evidence, court case details, case files, transcripts, and party information, are important to court administrators, lawyers, and members of the public.

The records are used to organize the court system, provide research material for legal professionals, and help the general public retrieve cases of personal and societal importance. Individuals can retrieve Harford County case details and documents from the central online Maryland court records repository or local courthouses.

Are Court Records Public in Harford County?

Yes, the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) categorizes court records as Harford County public records. It ensures the public can view files and details related to court proceedings in the county. Also, Md. Courts & Jud. Proc. Code § 2-201 (4) mandates clerks of courts to provide copies of court records when a member of the public submits a request unless prohibited by law.

Records prohibited by law to be released to the general public include the following:

• Legal proceedings for gender identity judicial declarations
• Expunged and sealed documents
• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Physician reports regarding an alleged disabled adult's medical condition
• Financial statements filed in child and spousal support matters
• Income tax returns
• Reports filed by guardians about alleged disabled adults's properties
• Some marriage license information
• CINA (Child in need of assistance) cases
• Records and information related to grand jury, state prosecutors, attorney general, state's attorney, and criminal inquiries
• Some Harford arrest records tied to ongoing criminal investigations
• Information that could disclose the identity of confidential informants and victims in certain cases

Harford County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Harford County court records should ideally identify the type of court record (civil, criminal, traffic, probate) they want to obtain, determine whether they want to view or order the record, ascertain the record’s custodian, and verify associated fees.

People who only want to view Harford court records can do so in person or online, using the resources provided by the Maryland judiciary and court clerks. Identifying the court record they want to seek allows them to confirm if it is available to the public, helps them pinpoint the custodian to approach, and allows them to uncover the fees they must pay. For example, there are different fees for ordering plain copies and certifying or exemplifying them.

Interested parties can also use third-party resources to order and view court documents. While these services are not directly provided by government agencies, they provide information collated from official sources.

Harford County Court Records Search by Name

Name-based searches allow individuals to search court documents by name. The Maryland Case Search system offers people the option to search by attorney, defendant, and plaintiff name in most cases. Name search services are also available at courthouse locations and clerk offices.

However, court clerks may charge fees for a name search if it requires considerable man hours and effort.

Harford County Courts

Harford County’s judicial proceedings are handled by its Circuit, District, and Orphan’s Courts at the following locations:

Circuit Court
20 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, Maryland 21014
Phone: (410) 638-3426

District Court
2 South Bond Street
Suite 100
Bel Air, MD 21014-3737
Phone: (410) 836-4545

Orphans’ Court
Court House
20 West Courtland Street
Room 304
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: (410) 638-3275
Fax: (410) 893-3177

Harford County Superior Court Case Search

Superior Courts are the highest county-level trial courts in most United States jurisdictions. However, the Circuit Court takes that spot in Maryland counties, including Harford. The county’s Circuit Court is its general jurisdiction court like Superior Courts in other states because they handle broad cases. These include major civil disputes (worth above $5,000) and serious criminal matters, such as felonies.

It is also the main court for jury trials in the county and has appellate jurisdiction over the Orphans’ and District Courts.

People seeking records from the court's criminal or civil divisions can do the following:

• Visit the courthouse where the case was heard: Clerks of courts maintain records of cases onsite, and individuals can view publicly available documents in person. The courts also provide electronic computers to view those records free. Further, individuals have the option of inspecting physical copies of court documents.
• Approach the Harford County Circuit Clerk of Court: Interested parties can use the following information to contact the clerk’s office in-person, by phone, or via email to make inquiries regarding record request options:
  Clerk's Office
  20 West Courtland Street
  Bel Air, MD 21014
  Phone: (410) 638-3426
  Copies generally attract the following fees:
  • 50 cents per page
  • $5 for each certification (excluding copy fees)
  • $10 for each exemplification (excluding copy fees but including certification fee)
• Use the Maryland Case Search portal: The Maryland judiciary’s search portal allows members of the public to search for and view criminal and civil cases heard in the Circuit Court for free. The system provides general information about cases, such as case numbers, type of case, dates, case status, location (the court where the case was heard), case parties, and document information.

Searchers will be able to query the database using party name (attorney, defendant, or plaintiff) or case number. When using the Party Search option, they can select Advanced Search to choose Harford County and its Circuit Court, the type of case they seek, and a filing date range to refine their search.

Harford County District Court Records

The Harford County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction covering return of property, landlord-tenant, criminal (misdemeanors and low-level felonies), and motor vehicle cases. It exclusively handles cases worth up to $5,000 and has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court in the following proceedings:

• Civil cases involving more than $5,000 and less than $30,000
• Criminal matters with fines above $2,500 and confinement from 3 years up.

Individuals seeking Harford court records generated during these cases can visit the specific district court where the case was handled to view case documents or contact the district clerk using the following details:

2 South Bond Street
Suite 100
Bel Air, MD 21014-3737
Phone: (410) 836-4545

People who wish to inspect case records are expected to fill out form DC-034 (Application to Inspect Public Records) or form DC-034A (for multiple records) and submit it to the clerk’s office.

Sometimes, aged files are transferred to the Maryland State archives. In such cases, individuals are instructed to fill out the Public Request for Records Stored at Maryland State Archives (DC-046) form.

Members of the public can view the court’s weekly docket published on its webpage to find information about upcoming cases. The document lists party names, case numbers, specific courtroom locations, and hearing times.

Further, people who want to inspect case details online without viewing documents can visit the Maryland online Case Search portal. The portal will pull up the specific district court case if searchers use the case number search. However, people using the party search method should ideally choose the Harford County and District Court options under Advanced Search.

Harford County Criminal Records

Law enforcement agencies are among the primary custodians of arrest-related Harford County criminal records. People interested in seeking these records can approach the Harford County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments, such as the Bel Air and Aberdeen PDs.

The Harford Sheriff’s Office allows the public to review and request public records through its online Public Information Act system. Requesting records using this system is not free. Individuals must pay $10.00 per request, $35 per hour if the request takes more than 2 hours to process, and a credit card processing fee. However, fees will be waived for domestic violence victims. Individuals can also visit the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters at 45 South Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 to request records in person.

Parties looking to obtain Harford County arrest records handled by city police departments can approach the involved agency. For example, the Aberdeen Police Department’s Records Section at 60 North Parke Street, Aberdeen, MD 21001, can help individuals process PIA requests. They can also fill out the department’s PIA request form and send it to the same address alongside the required fees outlined on the department’s webpage.

Harford County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Individuals accused and charged of various offenses within the state are prosecuted through criminal proceedings in the Harford County circuit and district courts. People looking to obtain these records should identify the court to approach by verifying the type of offense involved. Both courts have concurrent jurisdiction over cases where the penalty is at least 3 years in prison or a fine of $2,500 or more.

Individuals can approach the circuit court clerk for jury cases and other serious offenses (felonies). Resources provided by the district court will be the right option if they seek case records for misdemeanors (such as traffic infractions and other minor offenses) and limited felonies prosecuted without juries.

If they are not sure about the specific custodian, they can use the Maryland online case search system to perform a name search for both courts if the individual has been convicted or still facing prosecution. The system will display different Harford criminal records, such as the court system, case number, court location, charges, arresting agency, case disposition, bail and bond details, and State's Attorney reference number.

Get Harford County Civil Court Records

Civil cases are matters initiated by aggrieved parties seeking various legally enforced reliefs. They do not involve criminal matters and can be between private and public individuals and institutions.

Members of the public can approach the district court for cases worth below $30,000, landlord and tenant disputes, and property return (replevin and detinue) cases.

They can go through the Circuit Court if they want to view or obtain records for cases worth more than $5,000 (including detinue cases) and other major matters not handled by the district and orphans’ courts.

Harford County Family Court Records

Harford County does not have a dedicated family court. Instead, the Circuit Court handles all family-related matters, including divorce, child custody and support, parental, and juvenile cases. Individuals seeking these case documents and details have the Harford County circuit clerk’s in-person, telephone, and online resources at their disposal.

However, interested parties must note that records related to cases such as adoption and juvenile proceedings are restricted to the general public. Also, only eligible individuals may be able to obtain some Harford County marriage records. Intending requesters must prove that they are authorized to view these case files before gaining access.

Harford Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records are information and documents generated during divorce and annulment proceedings in the Harford County circuit court. Individuals can obtain them through the Maryland Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records and the Harford County Clerk’s office.

The DVR only offers Verification of Divorce forms, which can serve as proof that a marriage has been annulled or an individual is divorced. It contains the names of the divorced persons, the date of the divorce decree, the issuing county, and the type of dissolution action. Only people named on the document or their legal representatives can apply to obtain the document. They can apply in person, online, or by mail and must provide the required identification to prove eligibility. Each document costs $12. Online requests are performed using the DVR's third-party vendor. People looking to request in person can visit the following address:

Division of Vital Records
6764B Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown Road Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-3038

Mail-in requests involve printing and completing the Application for Verification of Divorce Record form and sending it to the following address alongside the $12 fee:

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

Individuals can also visit the Harford County Circuit Court to obtain certified copies of their Judgment of Divorce. They need to provide their case number to allow the clerk to retrieve their case files. If they do not have the case number, they can perform a name search on the Maryland Judiciary's Case Search portal or call the courthouse. Like other documents, copies of Judgments of Divorce cost 50 cents per page and $5 per certification.

Harford County Marriage and Divorce Records

Individuals can follow the steps explained earlier to obtain divorce records. Other types of marriage records are part of Harford County vital records. They include copies of marriage certificates and licenses. A person looking to order a certified copy of a Harford County marriage certificate can do the following:

• Submit a completed Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Marriage Record form to the Maryland DPH Division of Vital Records using the following information:

Division of Vital Records
6764B Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown Road Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-3038

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

• Request certified copies of marriage licenses through the Harford County Circuit Court Clerk. Interested parties must provide the names of each spouse, date of marriage, required fees ($5.5 per page), and return address. They can make in-person, mail, email, fax, or phone requests. Depending on the type of request, they should expect to fill out and submit the Request for Certified Copy/Credit Card form using the following information:

Licensing Office
7 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: (410) 638-3489, (410) 638-3586, or (410) 638-3248
Fax: (410) 838-8540
Email: customer.inquiries.hc.lld@mdcourts.gov

Harford Birth and Death Records

Harford County birth records and death certificates are often required for different legal purposes including:

• School enrollment
• Driver's license, passport, and social security applications
• Identity validation
• Sports participation
• Insurance claims
• Estate administrations
• Inheritance settlements

Only the following individuals are allowed to apply for a certified copy of a Harford County birth certificate:

• Individuals named on the certificate or their legal representatives
• The subject's parent or court-appointed guardian
• The subject's surviving spouse
• Legal representatives of the subject's parents and court-appointed guardians

People eligible to apply for certified copies of Harford County death certificates include:

• Surviving relatives or spouse of the deceased or their authorized representatives
• Individuals who have secured court orders to obtain the certificate
• Individuals making insurance claims or other business needs

Eligible parties can approach the Harford County Department of Health to obtain birth and death certificates. They can also use the Maryland DVR’s options to order these documents.

Harford County Probate Court Records

Probate court cases cover legal proceedings regarding a decedent's estate. They are generally handled by the Harford County Orphans’ Court. Individuals can visit or contact the court by phone or fax to inquire about these records.

Certain Harford County probate records, especially concerning wills and settled estates, are also maintained by the County’s Register of Wills. Individuals can contact the office for these documents and details.

Harford County Property Records

Property records are legal paperwork filed with various public agencies, such as court clerks and register of wills, regarding real estate ownership, transactions, taxes, and court cases.

Individuals can use the following online online resources to view Harford County property records:

• Real Property Data Search: The Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT) provides this web application to help members of the public review property details, such as ownership, tax assessment, valuation, transfer, and exemption information. Searchers can also see each property’s map, location and structure, and legal description. People can search the database by street address, map, parcel, property identifier, and property sales details.
• Maryland Estate Search: The Office of the Register of Wills operates this website to help individuals view its estate case records. It contains the decedent’s name, date of death, case number, county of filing, personal representative's name, estate type, attorney's name, and estate status. People can also use the portal to request copies of documents and pay the designated fee assigned by the Register of Wills.
• Harford County Tax Bill Portal: People looking to verify real estate taxes can use this online application. It displays the property address, owner details (name and mailing address), current assessment, and tax details, including the amount due, taxes paid, and tax history. The portal also provides links to SDAT’s real property database for more information.
• MDLandRec: This service is provided by the Maryland State Archives, Court Clerks, and Judiciary. It allows users to view and print different types of instruments, including deeds, mortgages, assignments, releases, and others. While the application is free, every intending user must register for an account to access it.

Members of the public can also contact local offices, such as the Harford County Register of Wills, Probate Court, and Circuit Court (Land Records Department) to request property documents they cannot obtain online.

Harford County Court Records Online

Identifying the right record's custodian and the right place to search for court records can be time-consuming. Individuals who want to avoid that process can use third-party web resources, such as Marylandcourtrecords.us, which allow users to search for cases from one place. These services are private businesses that obtain case records from official agencies and domicile them in a single database.

While some third-party resources offer certain information for free, such as Harford County arrest records, users should expect to pay for most services. Payment structures may be different, as some sites charge per search while others sell subscription plans.