Worcester County
Worcester County was established in 1669 by the Maryland Council. English settlers named it after the then Earl of Worcester, Henry Somerset. The county has a population of 53,866 and covers 468.4 square miles. Worcester's county seat is the town of Snow Hill. The largest industries in the county are agriculture and tourism.
Worcester County is served by District Courts and a Circuit Court. The District Court handles misdemeanors like traffic offenses, burglary, drug crimes, assaults, and domestic violence cases. It also prosecutes violations of municipal and county ordinances that result in damages of $30,000 or less. Though the District Court may hear these cases, it is not authorized to conduct jury trials. Worcester County's first Circuit Court was established in 1742. It would be replaced and renovated in 1834 and 1894. The Circuit Court handles major criminal and civil cases. Worcester County's Circuit Court may also hear appeals from some administrative agencies and the District Court of Maryland. The county's courts average more than 10,000 cases annually.
Worcester County's court records are official documents like court entries, witness testimonials, minutes, and orders made during court proceedings. County clerks maintain these records, which include civil, criminal, juvenile, probate, and domestic records. Citizens require court orders to access documents that have been ruled confidential. Worcester County clerks are tasked with various court-related duties that include administering oaths to judges, county officials, and notary public officials appointed by the Governor. They also process and electronically file conveyance and mortgage-related documents like land deeds. Lastly, Worcester County clerks oversee civil marriage ceremonies and issue marriage and business licenses.
Worcester County's clerk can be accessed via email or in person. Citizens are expected to submit personal information and provide specific facts concerning all requested records. A copy of the records is $1.00 per page. The fees are payable via money order, check, or cash. Record seekers who pay with credit or debit cards should expect to pay an additional convenience fee. Record seekers may access these records in person at One West Market Street, Room 104, Snow Hill.
The County Clerk offers access to the following types of cases:
- Family cases
- Probate cases
- Juvenile Cases
- Traffic cases
- Real estate cases
Worcester's District Courts offer online access to court records through their web portal. Citizens may scroll through Worcester County's Clerk of Courts website to learn more about how to obtain specific records or how to gain help from the county's justice system.
