1. Expedited
Guardianship cases are expedited when the allegedly disabled person
requires emergency medical treatment or is ready for discharge from a
hospital.
A hearing will be scheduled for the seventh day following the filing of
the petition provided that the petition is filed by 11:00 a.m. The
petition and all related paperwork must be filed with the Clerk of the
Court in Room 462 of Courthouse East. A copy should be given to the Clerk
to be date-stamped and to receive a case number. The copy should then be
delivered to Master Susan M. Marzetta in Room 232 Courthouse East for
processing. Counsel will be appointed for the allegedly disabled person
and a show cause order for service on that individual, counsel and all
interested persons will be issued the date the petition is filed. Service
must be effected within the period specified in the show cause order.
Affidavits of service must be filed with the Clerk’s office and
date-stamped copies must be delivered to Master Marzetta. A proposed order
for guardianship must also be submitted to Master Marzetta for approval as
to form. Master Marzetta will deliver the proposed order and affidavits of
service to the hearing judge. The answer and report of court-appointed
counsel for the allegedly disabled person must be filed with the Clerk of
the Court before the hearing and a courtesy copy should be delivered to
the hearing judge’s chambers at least one day prior to the hearing.
2. Non-Expedited
All non-expedited petitions for guardianship will be reviewed in the
ordinary course for compliance with the Maryland Rules of Procedure and
Title 10 of the Annotated Code by General Master Susan M. Marzetta, who
will arrange for the appointment of counsel for the allegedly disabled
person and have a show cause order issued. All filings are to be made
directly with the Clerk’s office in Room 462 Courthouse East.
