FY 25 Harford County Approved Operating Budget

JUDICIAL Magistrates Cost Center 415000

ORIGIN & PURPOSE: A Magistrate is an Attorney who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Judges of the Circuit Court and who is responsible for hearing all matters referred to him by the Court. One Magistrate hears all juvenile cases. All the Magistrates hear domestic cases. The duties of the Magistrates are to: Conduct hearings for family law cases referred to them, including petitions fled by the Department of Juvenile Services alleging that a child is delinquent; petitions fled by the Department of Social Services alleging that a child has been abused or neglected; and domestic relations cases. Record all proceedings of hearings Direct the issuance of a subpoena for witnesses and/or documents Rule upon the admissibility of evidence Examine witnesses when necessary Convene, continue and adjourn the hearings as necessary Make fndings of facts and conclusions of law, and submit them to the presiding Judge of the Circuit Court for review. In accordance with applicable State law, an appointment of a Magistrate for both domestic relations matters and juvenile cases by the Judges of the Circuit Court of Harford County. The appointment must be approved by the Chief Judge of Appeals. AGENCY GOALS: To refne and modify the scheduling and hearing of juvenile cases to ensure that these matters are heard and decided as expeditiously as possible while doing justice to the victims, the juveniles and the citizens of Harford County; To have 100% of all Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) shelter cases adjudicated withing thirty (30) days and all CINA non-shelter cases adjudicated within sixty (60) days pursuant to the case fow guidelines established by the administrative ofce of the courts; To expedite the hearing and disposition of child support, alimony, and uncontested divorce cases.

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