Rule 9-201.Scope
Last amended July 1, 2015 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 9-201
Amendment History
Maryland publishes each rule’s adoption and amendment record as a bracketed “Credits” note beneath the rule, giving the date of each Rules Order and the date it took effect. It is reproduced verbatim below.
[Adopted March 5, 2001, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended March 2, 2015, eff. July 1, 2015.]
Plain-English Summary
One sentence of scope and one of exclusion. The rules in Chapter 200 apply to a circuit court action in which divorce, annulment, alimony, child support, custody or visitation is sought — which is most of what a family law practice does.
They do not apply to actions in a juvenile court, and they do not apply to an action brought solely under the domestic violence subtitle of the Family Law Article. Those go to Chapter 300 of this Title, which has its own procedure for interim, temporary and final protective orders. The distinction is worth holding onto: a custody fight and a protective order petition are both family law, and they run under different rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions does Chapter 200 cover?
Circuit court actions seeking divorce, annulment, alimony, child support, custody or visitation.
Does Chapter 200 apply to a protective order case?
No. An action brought solely under the domestic violence subtitle is governed by Chapter 300 of Title 9.
Does it apply in juvenile court?
No. The rule excludes actions in a juvenile court.