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RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

There is a six month residence requirement in the State of Maryland for the filing spouse, if the grounds for divorce occurred outside of the state. Otherwise there is no minimum residency requirement.

GROUNDS

To legally end a marriage in Maryland, you must establish one of the following grounds for divorce. (1) 6-Month Separation: Spouses must have lived separate and apart for at least 6 months without interruption, even if they reside in the same home.

(2) Irreconcilable Differences: Significant unresolved issues or conflicts have caused the breakdown of the marriage, making it impractical for the spouses to continue living together.

(3) Mutual Consent: Both spouses agree to divorce and sign a written settlement agreement that resolves all issues related to alimony, property, and child care. The agreement must be in the best interests of any minor or dependent children.

These grounds provide clear options for couples seeking to dissolve their marriage in Maryland.

CHILD CUSTODY

Joint legal custody is not always awarded in a contested situation, but can be agreed upon by the parties. The court will consider the best interests of the child, as well as any agreement adopted by the parties, when determining joint and physical custody.

CHILD SUPPORT

Maryland’s child support guidelines apply in virtually every case, unless special circumstances are present. Both parties’ gross incomes and certain child related expenses are taken into consideration when calculating child support figures. Child support will continue until the child reaches eighteen years of age, and may extend through the child’s secondary education.

VENUE

The divorce should be filed in the county where the plaintiff resides, or where the defendant resides, is regularly employed or has a place of business.

MEDIATION

The court shall enter an order requiring the parties to mediate the custody or visitation dispute if it is determined that mediation is reasonable. The parties may voluntarily choose to mediate their disputed issues, so that they may proceed in court on an uncontested basis.

FILING FEES

Court filing fees are in addition to the cost of using CompleteCase.com. This cost may vary by county. Please check with your local courthouse to determine the exact amount.