Anne Arundel Circuit Court ADR: Programs, Forms & Contacts (Quick Guide)
Originally published: November 2025 | Reviewed by Don Saunders
When you’re dealing with a legal dispute in Anne Arundel County, you might not realize you have choices besides the usual courtroom drama.
The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County offers Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs that help individuals settle conflicts through mediation and other approaches, often saving time, money, and stress compared to a trial.
The Circuit Court’s ADR program collaborates with the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office to enhance access to dispute resolution.
Whether you’re entangled in family disputes, civil cases, or something else, these programs offer you a chance to work things out with a professional guiding the conversation.
Knowing how to use these services, which forms to obtain, and who to contact can mean the difference between a drawn-out court fight and a more peaceful outcome.
It might look complicated at first, but once you see the steps, it becomes a lot more manageable.
Key Takeaways
Anne Arundel Circuit Court offers mediation and ADR for family and civil cases, led by trained professionals.
You can request ADR by contacting the court or using online forms and programs.
The process typically involves scheduling sessions, submitting paperwork, and collaborating with neutral mediators to reach a mutually agreed-upon agreement.
Table: Anne Arundel Circuit Court ADR Quick Reference
Item
Civil ADR
Family ADR
Phone
410-222-1215 ext. 5
410-222-1153 ext. 6
Email
AAADR@mdcourts.gov
AAADR@mdcourts.gov
Forms
ADR Plan, Confidential Case Summary, Opt-Out
Consent to Extend, Disposition Forms, Parenting Plan
Fees
Varies by case
$200 per person per session
Address
8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
Same
What ADR Is Available at the Anne Arundel Circuit Court?
Mediation brings both sides together with a neutral mediator to reach solutions everyone can live with. The mediator keeps the conversation moving and helps people find common ground.
Settlement Conference Program
During scheduling conference days, the court brings in volunteer attorneys to help judges and participants. These lawyers help people explore settlement options immediately.
Family Law ADR Options
The court runs special programs for family cases. Parents and spouses can resolve custody, support, and property issues without going to trial.
Cost and Availability
Most ADR services here are free. Some happen on your trial date, but others take place before you ever see a judge.
The court examines each case and attempts to match it with the most suitable resolution method. Some cases are suitable for mediation, while others proceed to settlement conferences.
You can request ADR on your own, or the court may refer your case during a management conference.
Contact (Civil ADR Program)
The Circuit Court ADR Program gets support from the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO). This partnership brings a lot of resources to the table.
Civil ADR Program — Phone: 410-222-1215 ext. 5, Email: AAADR@mdcourts.gov
Additional resources include:
MACRO website for mediator referrals
Consumer guides to ADR in Maryland
Info about private mediation, if you want to go that route
The Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center also offers services at neutral spots around the county. Their intake office works with everyone to find a good time and place to meet.
Related Court Departments
The Civil Department handles the paperwork and administrative side of civil cases. Staff there can tell you how to add ADR into your case plan.
The Clerk’s office keeps the civil case files and explains how ADR agreements get recorded. They also give you access to the forms you’ll need.
Case management conferences often include a chat about ADR. The differentiated case management plan ensures that each civil case receives the appropriate attention, depending on its complexity.
If you’re ready to get
started, call us now!
Family ADR: Mediation, Sessions & Fees
The Anne Arundel Circuit Court offers family mediation to help resolve divorce and child support disputes.
Parents can utilize these programs through the court, and information on set fees and contact details is available.
Published Family Mediation Cost
Family mediation costs $200 per person per session (two sessions usually ordered). Fee waivers may be requested using a Fee Waiver Motion.
If you’re struggling financially, you can ask for a fee waiver by filing the right motion. This waiver covers mediation, parenting classes, and other family services.
Standard mediation fees apply to:
Divorce cases with property division
Child custody fights
Child support changes
Parenting time disagreements
The court knows family law cases can be expensive. Fee waivers help ensure that everyone can access mediation, regardless of their budget.
Contact (Family ADR Program)
Families can reach District Court ADR services in a few ways. Family ADR Program — Phone: 410-222-1153 ext. 6, Email: AAADR@mdcourts.gov
The Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) supports the Circuit Court’s ADR Program. MACRO shares info about services and what you’ll need to join.
Court-certified mediators are required to maintain an office in Anne Arundel County and be members of the Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence (MPME).
Contact options include:
Phone calls during business hours
Online resources on the court site
In-person visits at the courthouse
Parenting Plan Incorporation
Mediation sessions help parents create detailed parenting plans that courts can add to divorce decrees. These plans outline custody schedules, decision-making processes, and child support arrangements.
Parents work with a mediator to build agreements that focus on the kids’ best interests. Mediators help resolve issues such as holidays, schools, and medical decisions.
Parenting plans usually cover:
Weekly custody schedules
Holidays and vacations
Who’s in charge of transportation
How parents will communicate
After the parents agree, the mediator prepares the paperwork for the court. The judge can include the plan in the final divorce order, making it legally binding.
Forms You’ll Need (Direct from the Court Page)
The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court posts specific forms for each ADR participant and case type. Each form serves a different purpose in the ADR process, so you’ll want to fill them out carefully.
Participant Forms
If you’re joining an ADR program, you’ll need some standard forms before you start. These help the court understand your case and prepare for the ADR process.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Plan – Parties use this to outline the issues and details of the ADR request.
Confidential Attorney Case Summary Form – Attorneys for civil cases complete this to provide the mediator and the court with key facts.
Civil, Non-Domestic Attorney Mediation Request to Opt-Out of Mediation – This form allows parties in civil (non-family) matters to formally decline court-ordered mediation.
Mediation Confidentiality Agreement – All participants sign this agreement so that what is discussed in mediation remains privileged.
Civil Attorney-Mediator Forms
Attorney-mediators in civil ADR cases must use these specialized forms to document and report their work. Circuit Court
Civil Attorney Mediator Confidential Case Summary – A summary of the mediation prepared by the attorney-mediator.
Civil Attorney Mediator Disposition Form – Indicates whether the case settled, remained open, or moved to trial.
Mediator Evaluation Form – Participants may use this to provide feedback on the mediator’s performance.
Civil Law Mediator List – A list of approved mediators that attorneys and parties can consult.
Motion for Waiver of Family Services Fees – Though in the “civil” section, this form supports fee waiver requests when overlapping issues (e.g., family and civil) apply.
Family Mediation Forms
Family ADR matters have a different set of forms, focused on custody, visitation, support, and parenting plan issues. Circuit Court
Consent to Extend Scope of Mediation – Used when parties agree to expand mediation beyond the standard scope (such as adding property or support issues).
Mediator Disposition Form – Property – Reports the outcome of mediation for property division issues.
Mediator Disposition Form – Custody/Visitation – Reports the outcome of mediation for child-access or parenting time issues.
Mediator Evaluation Form (Family) & Family Law Mediator List – Similar to civil forms but specific to family ADR.
Sample Parenting Plan – A worksheet for parents to propose a custody/visitation schedule, decision-making roles, holiday calendar, and transportation arrangements.
In Anne Arundel Circuit Court ADR, preparation makes all the difference. Saunders Mediation guides you through forms, timelines, and settlement strategies. Contact us for tailored support.
If you’re ready to get
started, call us now!
Quick Contacts & Where to Go
The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County lists specific contacts for civil and family ADR services. They have separate phone lines and addresses, depending on the dispute.
Court staff and magistrates work directly with individuals to arrange mediation sessions. They also hand out the necessary forms.
The civil ADR coordinator collaborates with judges and magistrates to select mediation cases. Most civil mediations occur before trial and can save individuals significant time and money.
Common cases include contract breaches, landlord-tenant fights, and neighbor disputes. The administrative judge oversees the program to ensure quality.
Family ADR Program
Family law mediation tackles custody, visitation, and support issues through the court’s family ADR services.
Magistrates conduct initial screenings to determine if cases should proceed to mediation. They coordinate with the administrative judge to ensure things move smoothly.
Parents fill out intake forms before setting up mediation. The court provides interpreters for non-English speakers who require one.
General Court Address
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County 8 Church Circle Annapolis, MD 21401
Main Phone: 410-222-1397 Fax: 410-222-1595
The courthouse is located downtown, near the State House. Metered parking is around, or you can use a nearby garage.
Court Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state holidays
The administrative judge’s office coordinates between divisions for ADR cases with multiple legal issues. Judges check ADR outcomes to see how the program’s working.
Helpful Internal Numbers
Key Department Extensions:
Civil Division: 410-222-1397
Family Division: 410-222-1294
Clerk’s Office: 410-222-1395
Court Administration: 410-222-1300
ADR Scheduling: 410-222-1397 (Extension 4) Forms and Information: 410-222-1395
The administrative staff helps people figure out which judge or magistrate they need. They’ll point you toward the right ADR program for your case.
After-Hours Contact: In emergency family matters, special steps may be required. The clerk’s office maintains current information on emergency contacts and instructions on what to do.
How to Request, Schedule, or Opt Out
ADR can occur by court order or upon request, and the forms and deadlines vary depending on the case. You can opt out of specific programs if you file the right form before the conference date.
Pathways: Court Order vs Party Request
The court might order ADR during scheduling conferences or in a scheduling order. Judges often put ADR requirements in case management orders for civil cases.
People can alsorequest ADR services on their own. They file motions for mediation or settlement conferences. That way, they get more say in timing and who acts as the neutral.
The judge thinks ADR could help resolve things quickly
Party-Requested ADR happens when:
Both sides think mediation could work
They want to skip long trial prep
Settlement talks have hit a wall
Using the Civil Non-Domestic Opt-Out Form
You can skip certain ADR programs by filing opt-out forms. The court sets deadlines for these forms, and you’ve got to meet them.
The opt-out process asks for good reasons to skip ADR. Sometimes, the court still makes you go through ADR if they think it’s in the case’s best interest.
Common opt-out reasons:
Mediation already failed before
There’s an emergency that needs court action now
The case is only about legal issues, not facts
Filing requirements:
File forms before ADR scheduling deadlines
Include reference numbers for responsive pleadings
Give a clear reason for opting out
Confirm Deadlines
ADR deadlines get set at the first scheduling conference. Courts put these dates in the scheduling order along with discovery and motion deadlines.
People need to keep track of several deadlines. Missing ADR deadlines can mean sanctions,, or the court may automatically put you in the program.
Key deadline categories:
Opt-out forms: Usually 30 days after scheduling orders
ADR completion: Often 60-90 days before trial
Status reports: Due after ADR finishes
If you can’t meet a deadline, contact the court clerk immediately. You’ll need to file a motion for an extension and explain why, with alternate dates if possible.
What to Bring & What to Expect (Fast Checklist)
You’ll need specific documents and should be familiar with the basic timeline before attending ADR sessions.
Most sessions take 2-4 hours. Sometimes you settle everything, sometimes just a piece, and sometimes you walk out with no agreement at all.
Docs
Bring all the case documents to your ADR session. Think about the complaint, answer, and any motions you’ve filed.
Essential Documents:
Case filingsDiscovery you’ve already exchanged
Financial records (if relevant)
Contracts or disputed agreements
Insurance policies (when they matter)
Discovery deadlines don’t stop just because you’re in ADR. You must still meet those obligations during mediation or arbitration.
Bring any paperwork showing who can approve a settlement. If someone else needs to sign off, they should either accompany you or provide written authority limits.
Additional Items:
Photos
Expert reports
Witness statements
Medical records (for injury cases)
Logistics
ADR sessions usually happen at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court on Church Circle in Annapolis. Aim to arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
Session Details:
Duration: 2-4 hours, give or take
Format: Private rooms for mediation
Breaks: Take them as needed
Parking: Street parking is tight, but garages are close
The mediator or arbitrator explains the process at the start. Mediation stays confidential, so nothing you say gets used in court if you don’t settle.
You can bring your attorney, but it’s not always required. Double-check attendance requirements when you schedule.
What Happens:
Each side gives an opening statement
Mediator meets with each side privately (for mediation)
Everyone discusses the big issues
You’ll look at possible settlement options
Outcomes
ADR sessions usually end in one of three ways. You may see a full settlement, which resolves the entire case and results in its dismissal.
Or, maybe there’s only a partial settlement—some issues get sorted out, but others still head to trial.
Possible Results:
Complete Settlement: The case is resolved, and a dismissal is filed.
Partial Agreement: They resolve some issues, but the rest go to trial.
No Resolution: The case just moves to trial as planned.
Once everyone signs a settlement agreement, it’s binding. Changing your mind later? Not really an option unless you’ve got solid legal reasons to challenge the contract.
If ADR doesn’t work, the parties return to court for the scheduled process. Discovery and trial preparation continue to progress, just as before.
Post-ADR Steps:
If there’s a settlement, someone drafts the documents.
With a partial settlement, you might see a case management conference.
If nobody settles, trial prep just continues.
The court gets notified about what happened.
For clear direction on Anne Arundel Circuit Court ADR programs, Saunders Mediation provides step-by-step help with disputes. Protect your time and resources—schedule your appointment now.
Contact Us Today For An Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
What ADR programs are offered at the Anne Arundel Circuit Court?
The Anne Arundel Circuit Court provides ADR for both civil (non-family) and family law cases. Options include mediation, arbitration, and settlement conferences.
How do I request ADR at the Anne Arundel Circuit Court?
ADR can be ordered by the judge, requested by the attorneys, or agreed upon by the parties. Required participant forms are available directly from the court’s ADR webpage.
What forms do I need for ADR in Anne Arundel Circuit Court?
Common forms include the ADR Plan, Confidential Case Summary, Opt-Out Request (civil), Mediation Confidentiality Agreement, and family mediation disposition forms.
What are the fees for family mediation at Anne Arundel Circuit Court?
Family mediation typically costs $200 per person per session, with two two-hour sessions often required in custody or visitation matters.
How long does ADR usually take at the Circuit Court?
ADR sessions usually last 2–4 hours. Civil cases may be resolved in a single session, while family cases typically require two sessions, spanning 30–60 days.
Who do I contact about ADR in Anne Arundel Circuit Court?
For civil ADR, call 410-222-1215 ext. five or email AAADR@mdcourts.gov. For family ADR, call 410-222-1153 ext. 6.
Where is the Anne Arundel Circuit Court located?
The Circuit Court is at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401. The main phone number is 410-222-1397.
