Somerset County Court Records

Somerset County court records refer to both case and administrative documents (Md. R. Ct. Admin. 16-903). These are any paper, exhibit, notice, order, document, or docket entry created, entered, filed with, or kept by a court clerk in connection with an action or proceeding or about court administration.

The Circuit Clerk is the custodian of Somerset County, Maryland, court records. The public disclosure of these records is essential for the parties to know the status of their case. Typically, Somerset County court records contain the following information:

• Case information: court system, location, case number, title, case type, filing date, and case status
• Involved parties' information: the defendant's name and address, and the plaintiff's name
• Judgment information: judgment event type and judge's name
• Document information: file date, document name, and comment

Are Court Records Public in Somerset County?

Yes, The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) and Access to Judicial Records both permit the inspection and copying of court records. The Somerset County Circuit and District Courts comply with these laws by making their criminal and civil records available to members of the public upon request. The Md. R. Ct. Admin. 16-914 reveals that some court records are not publicly available due to their confidentiality. Examples of such records are income tax returns, juvenile court proceedings, Guardianship terminating parental rights, adoption and medical proceedings, some marriage license information, and emergency mental health evaluations.

Somerset County Court Records Search

The Somerset Circuit and District Courts issue court records in person to members of the public. To obtain copies of court records, individuals should visit the courthouse in person, fill out the required forms, and pay the appropriate fees. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal is also a good place to locate court records online without charges. A search can be conducted by name or case number.

Somerset County Courts

The Somerset County court system comprises Circuit, District Court, and Orphans' Courts. Below are the addresses of these courts:

Somerset County Circuit Courthouse
30512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Somerset District Court
12155 Elm St. Ste C,
Princess Anne, MD 21853-1348

Somerset County Criminal and Civil Records

Somerset County criminal records are accessible in person at the Sheriff's Office. Requesters must provide some basic information to help locate the appropriate record. Those seeking Somerset County arrest records should call the office at (410) 651-9225 and give a name or arrest date. Below is the address of the Sheriff's Office:

Somerset County Sheriff's Office
7920 Crisfield Hwy.
Westover, MD 21871
Fax: (410) 651-1142
Email: scso@somersetmd.us

The Somerset County Circuit Court Civil Department is the custodian of civil records, including divorces, name changes, foreclosures, mechanics liens, torts, injunctions, adoptions, paternity matters, and guardianships. Most of these records are available to the public online and in person at the courthouse from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Clerk charges $0.50 for copies of civil records and $5 plus copy fees for certified copies. The Case Search portal is available to search civil records online. Users will need a name or case number to perform a search. Record seekers can also obtain copies of civil records at the Somerset County District Court. However, only civil records whose cases amount in controversy are $30,000 or less are available in this court.

Somerset County Marriage Records

Inquirers can obtain certified copies of Somerset County marriage records in person at the Clerk's Office. They should submit requests during business hours and be willing to pay a fee of $5.50 per certified copy. Payments can be made by check or money order. Those requesting a certified copy by mail should include the couple's names, marriage date, check or money order, and self-addressed stamped envelopes in their requests.

Somerset County Divorce Records

The Somerset County Circuit Court Civil Department issues divorce records to members of the public in person Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The record staff will release the record when the appropriate copying fee has been paid. Individuals can also use the Case Search portal to find divorce information online for free. A search can be conducted by name or case number.

Somerset County Birth Records

Copies of Somerset County birth certificates can only be obtained by the subject of record, their parents, or an individual with papers showing custody of the record holder. The Somerset County Health Department issues birth records online and in person to eligible individuals for $25. A valid photo ID applies to all requests. Customers must complete the Online Application to obtain copies of Somerset County birth records electronically. They can pay the required fees by credit card. In-person customers should download and complete the Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Birth Record and bring it to the Department from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They can pay copying fees by cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

Somerset County Death Records

Somerset County vital records, like death certificates, can be retrieved online or in person at the Health Department. The Department charges $25 for the first certificate and $20 for each additional certificate. All applications must be made in person by eligible individuals (e.g., a surviving relative of the deceased, a funeral director, an authorized representative of the deceased's surviving relative, or a person with a proven legal need). Customers must complete the Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Death Record Form and bring it to the office alongside a valid ID and appropriate fees. Payments can be made by cash, checks, or card. The Department is located at:

Somerset County Health Department
8928 Sign Post Road,
Suite 2,
Westover, MD 21871

Somerset County Probate Court Records

Somerset County public records include probate documents. Therefore, the Somerset County Register of Wills makes such records available to the public upon request. Customers can visit the office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to obtain copies of probate records. They can also view basic probate records electronically without charges using the online Estate Search page. The search parameters are estate number, county, estate status, estate type, party type, name, or filing date range. Users can download probate court records for $0.50 per page.

Somerset County Property Records

The Somerset County Circuit Court Land Records Department keeps property records and makes them available online and in person. Record seekers can visit the Department to obtain copies of property records for a fee. Plain copies of property records cost $0.50 per page, and certified copies cost $5 plus the copy fees. Plat Records cost 50 cents per 11" x 17" or smaller page, and $1 per page larger than 11" x 17". However, those who cannot make it to the office can use the Online portal to access property information for free.

Somerset County Court Records Online

Third-party online databases, such as Marylandcourtrecords.us, provide public access to court records. While users can typically view basic information for free, accessing comprehensive records often requires a small fee. These platforms are beneficial for individuals seeking records across multiple jurisdictions. However, caution is advised when using information from third-party sites, as they may contain incomplete or inaccurate data. Users should prioritize official government websites for the most reliable results when conducting court record searches.