Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Maryland

May 5, 2023 Amanda

Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Maryland

Step	Description
Step 1	Choose the appropriate court to file for divorce based on residency requirements.
Step 2	Complete the required forms, including the Complaint for Absolute Divorce and any additional forms for child custody, support, and property division.
Step 3	File the forms with the appropriate court and pay the filing fee.
Step 4	Serve the other party with the filed forms and a summons to appear in court.
Step 5	Attend a scheduling conference to determine the timeline and process for the divorce proceedings.
Step 6	Participate in mediation or attend a settlement conference to attempt to resolve any disputes regarding custody, support, or property division.
Step 7	If a settlement is not reached, attend a trial where a judge will make decisions on any unresolved issues.
Step 8	Receive a final divorce decree from the court, which legally ends the marriage.

Introduction to Divorce Process in Maryland

Maryland has two types of divorces: limited or absolute. A limited divorce is a legal separation that allows couples to divide their property but does not dissolve the marriage. An absolute divorce dissolves the marriage entirely.
To file for a limited or absolute divorce in Maryland, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing.
In Maryland, grounds for divorce include adultery, desertion, cruelty, excessively vicious conduct, conviction of a felony or misdemeanor with at least a three-year sentence served
If both spouses agree on all issues related to their separation (including property division, child custody/support), they may be eligible for an uncontested divorce which typically takes less time and money than going through court hearings

Overall, understanding these basic concepts will help you navigate through your own personal situation more easily. However every case is unique so seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney would be recommended if possible.

Definition of Divorce

The grounds for divorce must be proven to the court
All property owned by both spouses must be identified and valued
Custody arrangements for any children involved in the divorce must be determined
Child support payments, if applicable, should also be established.

In order to file for divorce in Maryland, either you or your spouse will need to file a complaint with the appropriate court. This complaint should outline all of the relevant information related to your case, including details about why you want to get divorced and what type of relief you are seeking (e.g., custody of children or division of assets).

Once the complaint has been filed, it will need to be served on your spouse so they have an opportunity to respond. After this step has been completed, you can move forward with negotiations over issues such as child custody and division of marital property before finalizing your divorce through mediation or trial.

Types of Divorce

In addition to these two main types of divorces in Maryland, there are also uncontested divorces and fault-based divorces that can be pursued depending on your specific situation.

Uncontested Divorce: If both spouses agree on all aspects of their separation (including property division and child custody/support), they may be eligible for an uncontested divorce which typically takes less time and money than going through court hearings.
Fault-Based Divorce: In some cases where one spouse is at fault for causing the breakdown of the marriage (e.g., due to adultery or abuse), it may be possible to pursue a fault-based divorce instead of waiting for a no-fault option like living separately for one year.

No matter what type of divorce you’re pursuing in Maryland, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Reasons for Divorce in Maryland

In addition, there are two no-fault grounds for divorce that do not require proof of fault by either party:

Limited Separation: The couple has lived separate and apart without cohabitation and with intent to end their marital relationship; this option does not dissolve marriage but allows couples to divide their property.
Absolute Divorce: The couple has lived separately (under certain conditions) for at least one year before filing a complaint seeking an absolute divorce. It dissolves marriage completely

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Maryland, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate these complex issues and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Overview of the Divorce Process

This guide provides an overview of what’s involved when going through a divorce in Maryland but each situation is different so it’s important that you seek professional advice from an attorney who specializes in family law if possible.

Grounds for Divorce in Maryland

If you’re considering filing for divorce based on any of these grounds, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options under Maryland law. An attorney can also assist you in gathering evidence necessary if needed and present your case effectively before a judge.

No-Fault Divorce

A no-fault divorce is one in which neither spouse has to prove that the other did anything wrong in order to get divorced. In Maryland, there are two ways to pursue a no-fault divorce:

Living Separately for One Year: If both spouses have been living separately and apart from each other for at least one year without any interruption or cohabitation, they may file for a no-fault divorce based on this separation alone.
Mutual Consent: If both spouses agree that they want to get divorced and all issues related to their separation (including property division and child custody/support) have been resolved beforehand, they may be eligible for an expedited divorce process called mutual consent. This process typically takes less time and money than going through court hearings.

No matter which type of no-fault divorce you choose in Maryland, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the legal requirements of your case while protecting your rights throughout the entire process.

Fault-Based Divorce

Adultery: If your spouse has been unfaithful to you during your marriage, you may be able to pursue a fault-based divorce on grounds of adultery.
Desertion: If your spouse has abandoned you and refused to return home for at least 12 months in a row without any reasonable cause, you may be eligible for a desertion-based divorce.
Cruelty or Vicious Conduct: If your spouse has engaged in physical or emotional cruelty towards you or endangered your life through excessively vicious conduct, this could also be grounds for pursuing a fault-based divorce.

If you believe that one of these factors applies to your situation, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process of filing for a fault-based divorce. Keep in mind that proving these types of allegations can be challenging and often requires extensive documentation and testimony from witnesses.

Requirements for Filing for Divorce

If these requirements are not met, your case may not proceed until all necessary information has been provided to the court. Working with an experienced attorney who specializes in family law can help ensure that you meet all necessary requirements and avoid potential legal pitfalls throughout the process.

Residency Requirements for Filing for Divorce in Maryland

If you don’t meet these residency requirements, it’s important to wait until you do so before attempting to file for divorce. Otherwise, your case may be dismissed and you’ll need to start over again once you’re eligible to file.

Keep in mind that meeting the residency requirement doesn’t necessarily mean that your case will be heard by a court within six months. The actual timeline will depend on factors such as how busy local courts are and whether or not any issues arise during negotiations between you and your spouse regarding property division or child custody arrangements.

How Long Do You Need to Live in Maryland?

This residency requirement applies regardless of whether or not both spouses currently reside within the state. If neither spouse meets this requirement, it may be necessary to wait until they do before proceeding with a divorce case.

It’s also worth noting that these residency requirements apply only to couples who were married within the state of Maryland. If your marriage was performed elsewhere and one or both spouses have since moved to Maryland, different rules may apply – it’s best to consult with an experienced attorney if this situation applies to you.

Proof of Residency

If you’re planning to file for divorce in Maryland, it’s important to ensure that you meet the state’s residency requirements before proceeding with your case. To be eligible for a divorce in Maryland, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to proving residency:

You’ll need to provide documentation (such as a driver’s license or lease agreement) showing that you’ve been living in Maryland for at least six months
If your spouse has recently moved out of state, they may still be considered a resident of Maryland if they intend to return and establish permanent residence there again
If neither party meets the six-month residency requirement but one party is stationed in Maryland due to military service, they may still be eligible for a divorce under certain circumstances.

If you have questions about whether you meet the residency requirements for filing a divorce case in Maryland, it’s best to consult with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through this process and determine what steps need to be taken next.

Exceptions to Residency Requirements

If neither of these exceptions applies to your situation but you still need to get divorced quickly, it’s possible to pursue an expedited divorce by showing that waiting out the six-month residency requirement would cause undue hardship or harm.

No matter what type of divorce case you’re dealing with, it’s important to work closely with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through all aspects of the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected at every step along the way.

Steps to File for Divorce in Maryland

If negotiations fail or if one party is unwilling or unable to agree on key aspects of their separation agreement, then it may be necessary for a judge in Maryland family court make decisions about how assets should be divided up between both parties involved after hearing evidence presented by each side during trial proceedings.

Complete the Forms

Once all necessary documents have been completed and submitted to the court clerk’s office (along with applicable filing fees), you can begin working on other aspects of your divorce such as negotiating a settlement agreement or preparing for mediation sessions.

Filing the Forms

After you have decided to file for divorce in Maryland, there are several steps involved in the process.

Gather Information: Before filing for divorce, it’s important to gather all necessary information about your finances and assets. This includes bank account statements, tax returns, property deeds or titles, and any other relevant documents that can help you prepare for negotiations with your spouse during the divorce process.
Complete Forms: You will need to complete several forms when filing for divorce in Maryland. These include a Complaint for Divorce, which outlines the grounds for your request and what relief you are seeking; a Civil Domestic Case Information Report form; and various financial disclosure forms that detail your income and expenses.
Filing Your Forms: Once you have completed all necessary forms, they must be filed with the court along with any required fees. After this step has been completed, copies of these documents must also be served on your spouse so they can respond if necessary.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork or legal requirements associated with filing for divorce in Maryland, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through every step of the process. They can help ensure that all of your forms are completed correctly and submitted on time so that everything proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Service of Process

Service of process is a critical component of the divorce process in Maryland. This refers to the legal requirement that your spouse be formally notified that you have filed for divorce, and given an opportunity to respond.

In order to serve your spouse with the divorce papers, you can hire a professional process server or ask someone over 18 years old who is not a party in the case (such as a friend or family member) to do it for you.
You will need to provide proof of service once it has been completed, which may involve filing an affidavit with the court or providing other documentation depending on your situation.

If your spouse cannot be located for service of process, there are alternative methods available such as publication in a newspaper or posting at their last known address. However, these options can be more complicated and time-consuming than traditional methods so it’s important to discuss all available options with your attorney before moving forward.

Waiting Period

It’s important to note that this waiting period does not necessarily mean that your divorce will be finalized as soon as it ends. Instead, it simply means that you may begin negotiations over issues like property division and child custody/support during this time.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Maryland, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. They can also provide guidance on how long the entire process might take based on your specific circumstances.

Finalizing the Divorce

The length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Maryland depends largely on whether both parties agree on all aspects of their separation. If negotiations are contentious or if there are disputes that cannot be resolved outside of court, it could take months – even years – to reach a resolution. Working with an experienced family law attorney throughout this process can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the process is as smooth as possible.

Property Division in Maryland Divorce

Property division can be a complex issue in Maryland divorces. The state follows an equitable distribution system, which means that property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally between spouses.

Marital Property: This includes any assets or debts acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title or account. Examples include real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts and vehicles.
Separate Property: This refers to assets and debts that were owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage specifically for one person’s use. Separate property usually remains with its owner after divorce.

To ensure that your property division arrangement is fair and meets your needs in post-divorce life, it may be best to consult with a divorce attorney who can help you understand how these rules apply to your specific situation and guide you through negotiations with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse.

Equitable Distribution

The length of the marriage
The age and health of each spouse
The income and earning capacity of each spouse
Contributions made by each spouse to the acquisition or improvement of marital property during the marriage (e.g., through work or child-rearing)

If you have questions about how your property might be divided in a divorce in Maryland or need assistance with other aspects of your case such as custody arrangements or spousal support payments please consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through every step.

Marital Property vs. Separate Property

One of the most important aspects of any divorce case in Maryland is determining which assets and debts are considered “marital property” that will need to be divided between both spouses, and which are “separate property” that belongs to only one spouse.

Marital Property: This includes any assets or debts acquired during the course of the marriage, regardless of who earned them. Examples may include jointly-owned bank accounts, real estate purchased together, or retirement benefits accumulated during the marriage.
Separate Property: This includes any assets or debts owned by either spouse before entering into the marriage as well as gifts or inheritances received by only one spouse. These items generally do not need to be split up in a divorce settlement.

If you’re going through a divorce in Maryland and have questions about how your marital vs separate property will be divided, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options under state law.

Factors Considered in Property Division

If you are going through a divorce in Maryland and have questions about how your assets and debts will be divided, it’s crucial that you work with an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights and interests throughout this process.

Alimony in Maryland Divorce

If you’re facing a divorce in Maryland where alimony may be an issue, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights throughout this process.

Types of Alimony

Alimony is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other after a divorce. In Maryland, there are several different types of alimony that may be awarded:

Temporary Alimony: Paid during the divorce process to help cover expenses.
Pendente Lite Alimony: Paid until the final divorce decree is issued.
Rehabilitative Alimony: Provided for a set period of time to allow a spouse to gain skills or education needed to become self-sufficient.
Indefinite Alimony: Paid until the receiving spouse remarries or dies.

The type and amount of alimony awarded in Maryland will depend on various factors such as length of marriage, income disparity between spouses, and earning potential of both parties. It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options related to alimony during your divorce proceedings.

Factors Considered in Awarding Alimony

In addition to these factors, there may be specific circumstances related to your case that could impact how alimony is awarded or calculated. For example, if one spouse gave up their career aspirations to support their partner’s education or professional development during the marriage, this could be taken into account when determining an appropriate level of spousal support.

If you’re concerned about paying or receiving alimony after your divorce in Maryland, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and obligations under state law.

Modification of Alimony

In Maryland, alimony is typically awarded to one spouse in a divorce if they are deemed to be financially dependent on the other. However, circumstances can change after the divorce is finalized that may require modification of the alimony agreement.

If you are paying or receiving alimony and experience significant changes in your financial situation (such as job loss or serious illness), it may be possible to petition the court for a modification of your existing agreement.
When considering whether to grant a modification request for alimony, courts will evaluate factors such as the length of time since the original order was issued, any changes in income or expenses since then, and whether there has been any fraud or misconduct by either party.

Keep in mind that seeking a modification of an existing alimony agreement can be complex and challenging. It’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your options and guide you through this process successfully.

Child Custody and Support in Maryland Divorce

If you’re going through a divorce that involves children in Maryland, it’s essential to work with an attorney who understands these complex issues and can help protect your rights as well as your children’s best interests throughout the process.

Types of Custody

In addition to these two main categories of custody, there are also variations that may be considered based on your situation.

Sole Custody:A situation where one parent has both legal and physical custody over their children while the other parent retains only visitation rights.
Joint Legal Custody: This refers to an arrangement where both parents share decision-making power when it comes to important aspects related to their children’s welfare but not necessarily equal parenting time (physical custody). In this case one parent may have primary physical custody whereas other has secondary physical custodial rights.
Joint Physical Custody: In this type of agreement, children spend roughly equal amounts of time with each parent following a separation or divorce. Both parents will have shared legal and physical responsibility for raising their children..

The best interests of the child is always taken into consideration when determining which type(s)ofcustody should be awarded during a divorce proceeding. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you understand all options available in order make informed decisions throughout this difficult process.

Factors Considered in Determining Custody

In addition to these general considerations, courts may also take into account more specific factors related to the child’s well-being or particular circumstances surrounding their situation. For example:

If one parent has been abusive towards the other or towards the child, this could affect custody decisions
If a child has special needs that require extra attention or care from one or both parents, this could also impact custody arrangements.

Ultimately, when making decisions about custody in Maryland divorce cases, judges aim to prioritize what is in the best interests of the children involved. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate this process and advocate on your behalf as needed.

Child Support Guidelines

Ultimately, if you’re going through a divorce in Maryland and have children involved, it’s important to prioritize their well-being throughout every step of the process. Working with an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected while also ensuring that your children’s best interests remain at the forefront of any decisions made during this difficult time.

Modification of Custody and Support Orders

After a divorce is finalized, circumstances may change that require modifications to the original custody or support orders. In Maryland, it’s possible to seek these modifications through the court system.

Modifying Custody Orders: A parent seeking a modification of custody must show that there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order was entered and that the proposed modification is in the best interests of the child. Examples of material changes might include relocation by one parent, remarriage, or changes in work schedules.
Modifying Support Orders: In Maryland, child support can be modified if there has been a substantial change in either parent’s income (e.g., job loss or promotion). Spousal support can also be modified based on similar factors such as an increase or decrease in one spouse’s income.

If you believe that your custody or support order should be modified due to changed circumstances, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this process.

Mediation and Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

For couples who want to avoid the costs and emotional toll of litigation, there are several alternative dispute resolution methods available in Maryland, including mediation and collaborative divorce.

Mediation: In mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) works with both spouses to help them reach an agreement on all aspects of their separation. This option can be less expensive than traditional litigation and is often faster as well.
Collaborative Divorce: Collaborative divorce is similar to mediation in that it involves a neutral third party (the collaboratively trained attorney), but instead of working with just one mediator, each spouse has their own attorney present during negotiations. This approach can work well for couples who have more complex financial or parenting issues they need to resolve.

If you’re considering an alternative dispute resolution method like mediation or collaborative divorce, it’s important to choose an experienced professional who understands the nuances of these processes and can help guide you through every step of the way.

Benefits of Mediation

If you’re considering mediation as an option for your divorce case in Maryland, it’s important to find a mediator who is experienced in family law matters and understands the unique needs of divorcing couples. Working with an attorney who has experience with mediation can also provide additional guidance throughout this process.

Other ADR Methods

While mediation is one type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method that can be used in divorce cases, there are other options available as well:

Collaborative Divorce: In a collaborative divorce, both spouses work with their attorneys to reach an agreement outside of court. This can involve the use of neutral experts like financial planners or child psychologists.
Arbitration: In arbitration, a third-party arbitrator makes decisions about issues like property division and child custody instead of going through traditional court hearings.
Parent Coordination: If you’re struggling to make decisions about your children during or after your divorce, parent coordination can help by providing support from a mental health professional who specializes in family law.

The right ADR method for your case will depend on factors like the level of conflict between you and your spouse, the complexity of any property or custody issues involved, and your budget for legal fees. An experienced attorney can help you explore all of these options and determine which approach is best suited to achieving your goals in the divorce process.

When to Consider Mediation or ADR

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) are both ways to resolve issues related to your divorce outside of a courtroom. There are many benefits to these options, including cost savings and greater control over the outcome of your case.

Mediation: In mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) works with both spouses to help them come to an agreement on issues like property division or child custody. This option is often less adversarial than going through traditional court proceedings and can be particularly useful when both parties are willing to compromise.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): ADR refers to any method for resolving disputes that doesn’t involve going through traditional court hearings. This can include arbitration or collaborative law approaches where attorneys work together with clients towards a settlement rather than against each other in litigation.

If you’re considering mediation or ADR as an option for your divorce in Maryland, it’s important to speak with an attorney who has experience using these methods effectively. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that you understand all of the potential risks and benefits before making any decisions about how best to proceed.

Hiring a Divorce Attorney in Maryland

Your divorce lawyer can provide valuable guidance as you navigate through issues related to property division, child custody, support payments, and other important matters. With their help, you can work towards a resolution that is fair and equitable for all parties involved.

Remember that even if you decide not to hire an attorney for representation throughout the entire process, consulting with one early on may still be beneficial. Many offer free consultations which allow them to answer any initial questions or concerns you may have about filing for divorce in Maryland.

Do You Need a Divorce Attorney?

Whether or not you need a divorce attorney depends on your specific situation. While it’s possible to file for divorce without an attorney, there are some situations where legal representation is highly recommended:

If there are complex issues involved in your divorce such as high net worth assets or business ownership
If there is a history of domestic violence between you and your spouse
If child custody arrangements will be contested between the parties.

In general, hiring an experienced divorce attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. An attorney can also assist with negotiations, paperwork filing and represent you in court if necessary.

Keep in mind that while hiring an attorney may seem like an added expense, it could save you time, stress and potentially money down the road by helping to achieve a fair outcome for both parties.

How to Choose a Divorce Attorney

In addition to these factors, it’s important to choose an attorney who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Schedule consultations with several different attorneys before making a final decision so that you can compare their approaches and find one that fits your needs best.

What to Expect from Your Attorney

Your lawyer should also be available to answer any questions or concerns you have throughout the process. By working with someone who has experience handling these types of cases, you’ll be better prepared for whatever challenges may arise as part of this major life transition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while divorces are not easy by any means, they do not have to become unbearably difficult either. With some guidance from an experienced professional like a lawyer, it is possible for couples going through this challenging time in their lives together can receive fair treatment as well as respect towards each other throughout this process.

Recap of the Divorce Process in Maryland

Additionally, there are two other types of divorces available depending on your specific situation:

An uncontested divorce is an option if both spouses agree on all aspects related to their separation including property division and child custody/support.
Fault-based divorces can be pursued when one spouse is at fault for causing the breakdown of the marriage due to reasons such as abuse or adultery.

No matter which type of divorce you pursue in Maryland it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process while ensuring that your rights are protected every step along the way.

Final Thoughts and Resources

Ultimately, getting divorced in Maryland involves many steps including filing a complaint, serving the complaint on your spouse, negotiating settlements and possibly going to trial if necessary. By staying informed about the process and working closely with trusted professionals along the way, you can achieve an outcome that meets your needs while protecting your rights.

FAQ on ‘Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Maryland’

Q: How do I file for divorce in Maryland?

A: To file for divorce in Maryland, you need to complete and file a Complaint for Absolute Divorce form with the circuit court of the county where either you or your spouse resides. You will also need to pay a filing fee.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Maryland?

A: No, you do not need a lawyer to file for divorce in Maryland. However, it is recommended that you consult with a family law attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected throughout the process.

Q: How long does it take to get divorced in Maryland?

A: The time it takes to get divorced in Maryland varies depending on several factors, such as whether there are disputes over issues like property division or child custody. On average, uncontested divorces can be finalized within two to three months, while contested divorces can take much longer.

Q: What is the cost of filing for divorce in Maryland?

A: The cost of filing for divorce in Maryland varies depending on the county and whether you hire an attorney. As of August 2021, the filing fee ranges from $165-$225. Additionally, if you hire an attorney, their fees will vary based on their experience and services provided.