How to File a Custody Complaint (Prince George’s County — Maryland Circuit Court)
Filing for custody in Prince George's County Circuit Court starts with one main form. Most delays happen when attachments are missing or the wrong financial statement is used. Here's what to prepare so your submission is complete and ready for service.
To start a custody case, file the Maryland court form called Complaint for Custody (CC-DR-004). That form also directs you to review the General Instructions (CC-DRIN) for details like filing fees and how service of process works - so you know what the clerk requires and how the other parent must be notified.
CC-DR-004 asks for basic identifying information about the child(ren) and the parties, plus background the court needs - like where the child has lived and whether any related cases exist. One requirement you can't skip: attach a completed Civil Domestic Case Information Report (CC-DCM-001) to the complaint. The court uses it to open and track your case.
Include CC-DCM-001 with your paperwork when you file - not later. CC-DR-004 specifically requires it as an attachment. You also have to serve the other party(ies) with a copy of what you filed. Not sure what counts as proper service? The CC-DRIN instructions and the clerk's office can walk you through it.
Asking the court to order child support? You'll need to attach the right financial statement - and which form depends on income. If the parents' combined gross monthly income (before taxes, not take-home pay) is $30,000 or less, attach Financial Statement (Child Support Guidelines) (CC-DR-030). If combined gross monthly income is more than $30,000, attach Financial Statement (General) (CC-DR-031). Using the correct form upfront keeps your filing from getting stalled.
Tip: If you’re requesting child support, attach the correct financial statement (CC-DR-030 or CC-DR-031) with your custody complaint so the court has what it needs to process your request.
Before you file, look closely at what you’re submitting for anything that qualifies as restricted information (confidential by statute, rule, or court order). If your custody complaint includes restricted information, CC-DR-004 requires two things: file a Notice Regarding Restricted Information (MDJ-008) with your submission, and check the Restricted Information box on the Complaint for Custody form. Doing both flags the issue properly from the start.
Plan for a filing fee. Maryland circuit court charges a $165 filing fee to docket most civil actions, including custody complaints. Have the fee ready - or know what you'll do if you can't pay - before you head to intake.
Can't afford the filing fee? You can request a fee waiver as part of your filing. The online intake flow for custody prompts you to consider a fee waiver as you start the complaint, so you can address the fee question before submitting.
Want a guided start? Maryland's Tyler online custody intake walks you through the basics step-by-step: requesting child custody, considering a fee waiver, choosing the right financial form, and flagging any restricted information.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Complaint for Custody (CC-DR-004)
- ✓ Civil Domestic Case Information Report (CC-DCM-001) attached to the complaint
- ✓ If requesting child support and combined gross monthly income is $30,000 or less: Financial Statement (Child Support Guidelines) (CC-DR-030)
- ✓ If requesting child support and combined gross monthly income is more than $30,000: Financial Statement (General) (CC-DR-031)
- ✓ If your filing contains restricted information: Notice Regarding Restricted Information (MDJ-008) + Restricted Information box checked on CC-DR-004
- ✓ $165 filing fee (or be ready to address a fee waiver during intake)
- ✓ Copies of everything you file to serve the other party(ies)
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