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Howard County Divorce Guide: Filing in Ellicott City, Maryland
Howard County handles divorce cases through the Circuit Court. Whether you live in Ellicott City or another Howard County community, this guide provides everything you need to know about filing for divorce in Howard County.
Howard County Divorce at a Glance
County: Howard County
Primary City: Ellicott City, Maryland
Court Type: Circuit Court
Residency Requirement: 12 months or grounds occurred in state
Waiting Period: 12 months separation
What Makes Howard County Unique
Every county in Maryland follows the same state divorce laws, but Howard County has specific local procedures, filing requirements, and resources that affect your divorce process.
Local Court Procedures
Howard County's Circuit Court has established local rules that govern how divorces proceed. These include specific document formatting requirements, filing deadlines, and hearing schedules that differ from other Maryland countys.
Filing Requirements
The Clerk of Courts in Howard County has specific requirements for document submission, fee payments, and case processing. Understanding these requirements before filing prevents delays and rejected paperwork.
Community Resources
Howard County offers various divorce-related resources including mediation services, self-help centers, and legal aid programs. Availability and eligibility vary by county.
Howard County Court Filing Fees
Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Maryland vary by county. Contact the Howard County Clerk of Courts for current exact fees.
Typical Maryland Filing Fees: $75-$450 depending on county
Additional Costs:
Service of process: $40-$150
Certified copies: $1-$5 per page
Motion filing fees: $25-$100 each
Payment Methods:
Most Maryland courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Some countys charge a processing fee for card payments.
Attorney Costs in Howard County
Attorney fees in Howard County vary based on experience, case complexity, and whether your divorce is contested.
Hourly Rates:
Entry-level attorneys: $150-$275/hour
Experienced attorneys: $275-$400/hour
Senior attorneys: $400-$500/hour
Average Total Costs:
Simple uncontested: $1,500-$4,000
Contested divorce: $8,000-$30,000+
High-conflict cases: $30,000-$60,000+
Retainer Requirements:
Uncontested: $1,500-$3,000
Contested: $5,000-$15,000+
These are typical ranges for Maryland attorneys. Actual costs in Howard County depend on your specific situation.
How to File for Divorce in Howard County
Step 1: Verify Residency
You or your spouse must meet Maryland's residency requirement: 12 months or grounds occurred in state
Step 2: Gather Documents
Marriage certificate (certified copy)
Financial records (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
Property records
Debt information
Children's information (if applicable)
Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms
Maryland requires specific forms for divorce petitions. Howard County may have additional local forms.
Required documents typically include:
Petition/Complaint for Divorce
Financial affidavits
Child custody forms (if applicable)
Settlement agreement (if uncontested)
Step 4: File with the Court
Submit your completed forms to the Howard County Clerk of Courts along with the filing fee. Many Maryland countys now offer electronic filing options.
Step 5: Serve Your Spouse
After filing, your spouse must be served with divorce papers according to Maryland law. Service options include:
Sheriff's department
Private process server
Certified mail (if spouse agrees)
Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements
Maryland may require:
Parenting classes (if children involved)
Financial disclosures
Mediation attempts
Waiting period: 12 months separation
Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce
For uncontested cases, a brief hearing may be required. Contested cases involve negotiations, possible trial, and final judgment.
Howard County Divorce Timeline
Uncontested Divorce (Both Agree):
Minimum: 12 months separation (state-mandated waiting period)
Typical: 2-4 months from filing to final decree
Best case: 6-10 weeks with all paperwork perfect
Contested Divorce (Disputes to Resolve):
Minor disagreements: 4-8 months
Significant disputes: 8-14 months
Trial required: 12-24 months
Timelines depend on court calendar availability in Howard County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.
Howard County Circuit Court
Howard County's divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court. The court manages all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, support, and property division.
Court Functions:
Process divorce petitions
Conduct hearings and trials
Issue temporary orders
Approve settlement agreements
Enter final divorce decrees
Court Staff:
The Clerk of Courts office handles all filing, fee collection, and record keeping for Howard County divorce cases.
Maryland Divorce Court Locator
Howard County Family and Divorce Courts
Court Name:
118th District Court
Court Address:
300 Main
Big Spring,
TX
79721
Phone:
432-264-2223
Fax:
432-264-2256
Website:
http://www.co.howard.tx.us/
Judges:
Judge Timothy D. Yeats
Clerks:
Colleen Barton
Court Name:
14th Judicial Circuit Court
Court Address:
#1 Courthouse Square
Fayette,
MO
65248
Phone:
660-248-2194
Clerk Hours:
8:30am-4:30pm
Clerks:
Charles J. Flaspohler
Court Name:
9th West Judicial Circuit
Court Address:
421 N Main
Nashville,
AR
71852
Phone:
870-845-7506
Fax:
870-845-7505
Clerk Hours:
8am-4:30pm
Clerks:
Angie Lewis
Court Name:
Howard County Trial Court
Court Address:
104 N Buckeye
Kokomo,
IN
46901
Phone:
(765) 456-2204
Fax:
(765) 456-2267
Clerk Hours:
8am-4pm
Website:
http://www.co.howard.in.us/
Clerks:
Kim Wilson
Court Name:
Howard County Circuit Court
Court Address:
9250 Judicial way
Ellicott City,
MD
21043
Phone:
(410) 313 2111
Fax:
(888) 313 0197
Clerk Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
Website:
https://www.howardcountymd.gov
Judges:
Lenore R. Gelfman Richard S. Bernhardt Mary M. Kramer Timothy J. McCrone William V. Tucker
Clerks:
Wayne A. Robey
Parking:
Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.
Court Name:
Howard County District Court
Court Address:
137 North Elm Street
Cresco,
IA
52136
Phone:
(563) 547 9206
Fax:
(800) 645 8891
Clerk Hours:
8am-4:30pm
Website:
http://www.co.howard.ia.us/
Judges:
Kellyann M. Lekar, Joel A. Dalrymple, Andrea J. Dryer, Todd A. Geer, Bradley J. Harris, David P. Odekirk, David F. Staudt, George Stigler, Richard D. Stochl, Nathan A. Callahan, James D. Coil, Jeffrey L. Harris, Joseph Moothart
Clerks:
Damian Baltes
Court Name:
Howard County Court
Court Address:
612 Indian St.
St. Paul,
NE
68873
Phone:
(308) 754-4192
Fax:
(308) 754-4727
Website:
http://www.howardcounty.ne.gov/
Clerks:
Marsha Anderson
Maryland Divorce Court Locator
Howard County Family and Divorce Courts
Court Name:
118th District Court
Court Address:
300 Main
Big Spring,
TX
79721
Phone:
432-264-2223
Fax:
432-264-2256
Website:
http://www.co.howard.tx.us/
Judges:
Judge Timothy D. Yeats
Clerks:
Colleen Barton
Court Name:
14th Judicial Circuit Court
Court Address:
#1 Courthouse Square
Fayette,
MO
65248
Phone:
660-248-2194
Clerk Hours:
8:30am-4:30pm
Clerks:
Charles J. Flaspohler
Court Name:
9th West Judicial Circuit
Court Address:
421 N Main
Nashville,
AR
71852
Phone:
870-845-7506
Fax:
870-845-7505
Clerk Hours:
8am-4:30pm
Clerks:
Angie Lewis
Court Name:
Howard County Trial Court
Court Address:
104 N Buckeye
Kokomo,
IN
46901
Phone:
(765) 456-2204
Fax:
(765) 456-2267
Clerk Hours:
8am-4pm
Website:
http://www.co.howard.in.us/
Clerks:
Kim Wilson
Court Name:
Howard County Circuit Court
Court Address:
9250 Judicial way
Ellicott City,
MD
21043
Phone:
(410) 313 2111
Fax:
(888) 313 0197
Clerk Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
Website:
https://www.howardcountymd.gov
Judges:
Lenore R. Gelfman Richard S. Bernhardt Mary M. Kramer Timothy J. McCrone William V. Tucker
Clerks:
Wayne A. Robey
Parking:
Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.
Court Name:
Howard County District Court
Court Address:
137 North Elm Street
Cresco,
IA
52136
Phone:
(563) 547 9206
Fax:
(800) 645 8891
Clerk Hours:
8am-4:30pm
Website:
http://www.co.howard.ia.us/
Judges:
Kellyann M. Lekar, Joel A. Dalrymple, Andrea J. Dryer, Todd A. Geer, Bradley J. Harris, David P. Odekirk, David F. Staudt, George Stigler, Richard D. Stochl, Nathan A. Callahan, James D. Coil, Jeffrey L. Harris, Joseph Moothart
Clerks:
Damian Baltes
Court Name:
Howard County Court
Court Address:
612 Indian St.
St. Paul,
NE
68873
Phone:
(308) 754-4192
Fax:
(308) 754-4727
Website:
http://www.howardcounty.ne.gov/
Clerks:
Marsha Anderson
Free and Low-Cost Resources in Howard County
Legal Aid Services
Maryland has legal aid organizations that provide free legal help to low-income residents. Contact your local legal aid office to check eligibility for services in Howard County.
Typical Eligibility: Income at or below 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines
Court Self-Help Resources
Many Maryland courts offer self-help centers with:
Divorce form packets
Filing instructions
Procedural information
Referrals to resources
Contact the Howard County Circuit Court to ask about available self-help services.
Pro Bono Legal Services
Local bar associations in Maryland may offer:
Free legal consultations
Reduced-fee attorney referrals
Pro bono representation for qualified cases
Mediation Services
Howard County may offer court-connected mediation at reduced rates, typically much less expensive than private mediation.
Affordable Online Divorce Services for Howard County
Online divorce services provide an affordable alternative to hiring an attorney for uncontested cases in Howard County.
Benefits of Online Services:
Howard County-specific forms and filing instructions
Professional document preparation
Significant cost savings vs. attorney fees
Convenient online process
Support throughout your case
Best For:
Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree
Cases without complex assets or custody disputes
Couples able to cooperate on terms
People seeking affordable professional help
Typical Cost Range: $500-$2,000 plus court filing fees
Online services work well in Howard County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.
Divorce with Children in Howard County
Howard County courts prioritize children's best interests in custody and support decisions.
Child Custody in Maryland
Maryland courts consider multiple factors when determining custody:
Each parent's ability to care for children
Children's relationship with each parent
Stability of proposed living arrangements
Children's adjustment to home, school, community
Parents' willingness to cooperate
Any history of abuse or neglect
Parenting Time
Howard County courts encourage meaningful relationships with both parents unless safety concerns exist. Parenting time schedules are customized to each family's situation.
Child Support
Maryland uses guidelines based on:
Both parents' incomes
Number of children
Parenting time allocation
Healthcare and childcare costs
Mandatory Requirements
Maryland may require parents in Howard County to:
Complete parenting education classes
Attend mediation for custody disputes
Submit detailed parenting plans
Provide financial disclosure
Common Mistakes in Howard County Divorces
1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure
Maryland requires full financial disclosure in divorce cases. Incomplete or inaccurate information causes delays and can result in court sanctions.
2. Missing Deadlines
Howard County Circuit Court imposes deadlines for responses, discovery, and other filings. Missing deadlines can result in default judgments or case dismissal.
3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting
Each Maryland county has specific form requirements. Using outdated forms or incorrect formats results in rejected filings.
4. Poor Service of Process
Improperly serving your spouse invalidates the entire case. Follow Maryland's service requirements exactly.
5. Not Following Court Orders
Violating temporary orders issued by Howard County court can result in contempt charges and negatively impact your case.
6. Failing to Update Information
Changes in income, residence, or circumstances must be reported to Howard County court promptly.
7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases
While self-representation is allowed in Howard County, complex cases involving businesses, substantial assets, or high-conflict custody benefit from attorney representation.
Howard County Divorce FAQs
How long does it take to get divorced in Howard County?
Uncontested divorces in Howard County typically take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Maryland requires 12 months separation waiting period. Contested cases take 8-18 months or longer depending on complexity.
How much does divorce cost in Howard County?
Filing fees vary by Maryland county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Howard County?
No, but whether you should hire one depends on your situation. Attorney representation is recommended for cases involving significant assets, business ownership, contested custody, or domestic violence. Simple uncontested divorces often work well with online service assistance.
Can I file for divorce in Howard County if my spouse lives elsewhere?
Yes, as long as you meet Maryland's residency requirement (12 months or grounds occurred in state), you can file in Howard County even if your spouse lives in another county or state.
What if my spouse doesn't respond to divorce papers?
If your spouse doesn't respond within the required timeframe in Maryland, you can request a default judgment from Howard County court.
How is property divided in Howard County?
Maryland follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors, not necessarily equally.
Does Howard County require separation before divorce?
Maryland's laws determine separation requirements. 12 months separation waiting period applies after filing. Separation is required before filing.
Can I change my name back in my divorce?
Yes, you can request to resume your maiden name or previous name as part of your Howard County divorce decree.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?
Howard County court may waive filing fees if you qualify based on low income or receipt of public assistance. File a fee waiver application with your petition.
Are divorce records public in Howard County?
Yes, divorce records filed with Howard County Circuit Court are generally public records, though you can request certain sensitive information be sealed.
Next Steps: Start Your Howard County Divorce
Step 1: Verify you meet Maryland's residency requirement (12 months or grounds occurred in state)
Step 2: Gather all required financial and personal documents
Step 3: Decide between self-filing, online service, or attorney
Step 4: Complete Howard County-specific divorce forms
Step 5: File petition with Howard County Clerk of Courts
Step 6: Serve your spouse with divorce papers
Step 7: Complete any mandatory requirements
Step 8: Finalize your divorce through settlement or hearing
About This Howard County Divorce Guide
This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about filing for divorce in Howard County, Maryland. Information covers local procedures, filing requirements, costs, and resources specific to Howard County's Circuit Court.
Last Updated: February 2026
Note: Laws and procedures change. Always verify current requirements with Howard County Clerk of Courts or consult with a qualified Maryland family law attorney.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
"The Most Trusted
Name in Online Divorce"
Exclusive
Online Divorce Partner
Best
Online Divorce Service
ADVISOR
We offer a guided path through divorce that helps avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
Written By:
Divorce.com Staff
Howard County Divorce Guide: Filing in Ellicott City, Maryland
Howard County handles divorce cases through the Circuit Court. Whether you live in Ellicott City or another Howard County community, this guide provides everything you need to know about filing for divorce in Howard County.
Howard County Divorce at a Glance
County: Howard County
Primary City: Ellicott City, Maryland
Court Type: Circuit Court
Residency Requirement: 12 months or grounds occurred in state
Waiting Period: 12 months separation
What Makes Howard County Unique
Every county in Maryland follows the same state divorce laws, but Howard County has specific local procedures, filing requirements, and resources that affect your divorce process.
Local Court Procedures
Howard County's Circuit Court has established local rules that govern how divorces proceed. These include specific document formatting requirements, filing deadlines, and hearing schedules that differ from other Maryland countys.
Filing Requirements
The Clerk of Courts in Howard County has specific requirements for document submission, fee payments, and case processing. Understanding these requirements before filing prevents delays and rejected paperwork.
Community Resources
Howard County offers various divorce-related resources including mediation services, self-help centers, and legal aid programs. Availability and eligibility vary by county.
Howard County Court Filing Fees
Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Maryland vary by county. Contact the Howard County Clerk of Courts for current exact fees.
Typical Maryland Filing Fees: $75-$450 depending on county
Additional Costs:
Service of process: $40-$150
Certified copies: $1-$5 per page
Motion filing fees: $25-$100 each
Payment Methods:
Most Maryland courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Some countys charge a processing fee for card payments.
Attorney Costs in Howard County
Attorney fees in Howard County vary based on experience, case complexity, and whether your divorce is contested.
Hourly Rates:
Entry-level attorneys: $150-$275/hour
Experienced attorneys: $275-$400/hour
Senior attorneys: $400-$500/hour
Average Total Costs:
Simple uncontested: $1,500-$4,000
Contested divorce: $8,000-$30,000+
High-conflict cases: $30,000-$60,000+
Retainer Requirements:
Uncontested: $1,500-$3,000
Contested: $5,000-$15,000+
These are typical ranges for Maryland attorneys. Actual costs in Howard County depend on your specific situation.
How to File for Divorce in Howard County
Step 1: Verify Residency
You or your spouse must meet Maryland's residency requirement: 12 months or grounds occurred in state
Step 2: Gather Documents
Marriage certificate (certified copy)
Financial records (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
Property records
Debt information
Children's information (if applicable)
Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms
Maryland requires specific forms for divorce petitions. Howard County may have additional local forms.
Required documents typically include:
Petition/Complaint for Divorce
Financial affidavits
Child custody forms (if applicable)
Settlement agreement (if uncontested)
Step 4: File with the Court
Submit your completed forms to the Howard County Clerk of Courts along with the filing fee. Many Maryland countys now offer electronic filing options.
Step 5: Serve Your Spouse
After filing, your spouse must be served with divorce papers according to Maryland law. Service options include:
Sheriff's department
Private process server
Certified mail (if spouse agrees)
Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements
Maryland may require:
Parenting classes (if children involved)
Financial disclosures
Mediation attempts
Waiting period: 12 months separation
Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce
For uncontested cases, a brief hearing may be required. Contested cases involve negotiations, possible trial, and final judgment.
Howard County Divorce Timeline
Uncontested Divorce (Both Agree):
Minimum: 12 months separation (state-mandated waiting period)
Typical: 2-4 months from filing to final decree
Best case: 6-10 weeks with all paperwork perfect
Contested Divorce (Disputes to Resolve):
Minor disagreements: 4-8 months
Significant disputes: 8-14 months
Trial required: 12-24 months
Timelines depend on court calendar availability in Howard County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.
Howard County Circuit Court
Howard County's divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court. The court manages all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, support, and property division.
Court Functions:
Process divorce petitions
Conduct hearings and trials
Issue temporary orders
Approve settlement agreements
Enter final divorce decrees
Court Staff:
The Clerk of Courts office handles all filing, fee collection, and record keeping for Howard County divorce cases.
Maryland Divorce Court Locator
Howard County Family and Divorce Courts
Court Name:
118th District Court
Court Address:
300 Main
Big Spring,
TX
79721
Phone:
432-264-2223
Fax:
432-264-2256
Website:
http://www.co.howard.tx.us/
Judges:
Judge Timothy D. Yeats
Clerks:
Colleen Barton
Court Name:
14th Judicial Circuit Court
Court Address:
#1 Courthouse Square
Fayette,
MO
65248
Phone:
660-248-2194
Clerk Hours:
8:30am-4:30pm
Clerks:
Charles J. Flaspohler
Court Name:
9th West Judicial Circuit
Court Address:
421 N Main
Nashville,
AR
71852
Phone:
870-845-7506
Fax:
870-845-7505
Clerk Hours:
8am-4:30pm
Clerks:
Angie Lewis
Court Name:
Howard County Trial Court
Court Address:
104 N Buckeye
Kokomo,
IN
46901
Phone:
(765) 456-2204
Fax:
(765) 456-2267
Clerk Hours:
8am-4pm
Website:
http://www.co.howard.in.us/
Clerks:
Kim Wilson
Court Name:
Howard County Circuit Court
Court Address:
9250 Judicial way
Ellicott City,
MD
21043
Phone:
(410) 313 2111
Fax:
(888) 313 0197
Clerk Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
Website:
https://www.howardcountymd.gov
Judges:
Lenore R. Gelfman Richard S. Bernhardt Mary M. Kramer Timothy J. McCrone William V. Tucker
Clerks:
Wayne A. Robey
Parking:
Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.
Court Name:
Howard County District Court
Court Address:
137 North Elm Street
Cresco,
IA
52136
Phone:
(563) 547 9206
Fax:
(800) 645 8891
Clerk Hours:
8am-4:30pm
Website:
http://www.co.howard.ia.us/
Judges:
Kellyann M. Lekar, Joel A. Dalrymple, Andrea J. Dryer, Todd A. Geer, Bradley J. Harris, David P. Odekirk, David F. Staudt, George Stigler, Richard D. Stochl, Nathan A. Callahan, James D. Coil, Jeffrey L. Harris, Joseph Moothart
Clerks:
Damian Baltes
Court Name:
Howard County Court
Court Address:
612 Indian St.
St. Paul,
NE
68873
Phone:
(308) 754-4192
Fax:
(308) 754-4727
Website:
http://www.howardcounty.ne.gov/
Clerks:
Marsha Anderson
Free and Low-Cost Resources in Howard County
Legal Aid Services
Maryland has legal aid organizations that provide free legal help to low-income residents. Contact your local legal aid office to check eligibility for services in Howard County.
Typical Eligibility: Income at or below 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines
Court Self-Help Resources
Many Maryland courts offer self-help centers with:
Divorce form packets
Filing instructions
Procedural information
Referrals to resources
Contact the Howard County Circuit Court to ask about available self-help services.
Pro Bono Legal Services
Local bar associations in Maryland may offer:
Free legal consultations
Reduced-fee attorney referrals
Pro bono representation for qualified cases
Mediation Services
Howard County may offer court-connected mediation at reduced rates, typically much less expensive than private mediation.
Affordable Online Divorce Services for Howard County
Online divorce services provide an affordable alternative to hiring an attorney for uncontested cases in Howard County.
Benefits of Online Services:
Howard County-specific forms and filing instructions
Professional document preparation
Significant cost savings vs. attorney fees
Convenient online process
Support throughout your case
Best For:
Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree
Cases without complex assets or custody disputes
Couples able to cooperate on terms
People seeking affordable professional help
Typical Cost Range: $500-$2,000 plus court filing fees
Online services work well in Howard County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.
Divorce with Children in Howard County
Howard County courts prioritize children's best interests in custody and support decisions.
Child Custody in Maryland
Maryland courts consider multiple factors when determining custody:
Each parent's ability to care for children
Children's relationship with each parent
Stability of proposed living arrangements
Children's adjustment to home, school, community
Parents' willingness to cooperate
Any history of abuse or neglect
Parenting Time
Howard County courts encourage meaningful relationships with both parents unless safety concerns exist. Parenting time schedules are customized to each family's situation.
Child Support
Maryland uses guidelines based on:
Both parents' incomes
Number of children
Parenting time allocation
Healthcare and childcare costs
Mandatory Requirements
Maryland may require parents in Howard County to:
Complete parenting education classes
Attend mediation for custody disputes
Submit detailed parenting plans
Provide financial disclosure
Common Mistakes in Howard County Divorces
1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure
Maryland requires full financial disclosure in divorce cases. Incomplete or inaccurate information causes delays and can result in court sanctions.
2. Missing Deadlines
Howard County Circuit Court imposes deadlines for responses, discovery, and other filings. Missing deadlines can result in default judgments or case dismissal.
3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting
Each Maryland county has specific form requirements. Using outdated forms or incorrect formats results in rejected filings.
4. Poor Service of Process
Improperly serving your spouse invalidates the entire case. Follow Maryland's service requirements exactly.
5. Not Following Court Orders
Violating temporary orders issued by Howard County court can result in contempt charges and negatively impact your case.
6. Failing to Update Information
Changes in income, residence, or circumstances must be reported to Howard County court promptly.
7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases
While self-representation is allowed in Howard County, complex cases involving businesses, substantial assets, or high-conflict custody benefit from attorney representation.
Howard County Divorce FAQs
How long does it take to get divorced in Howard County?
Uncontested divorces in Howard County typically take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Maryland requires 12 months separation waiting period. Contested cases take 8-18 months or longer depending on complexity.
How much does divorce cost in Howard County?
Filing fees vary by Maryland county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Howard County?
No, but whether you should hire one depends on your situation. Attorney representation is recommended for cases involving significant assets, business ownership, contested custody, or domestic violence. Simple uncontested divorces often work well with online service assistance.
Can I file for divorce in Howard County if my spouse lives elsewhere?
Yes, as long as you meet Maryland's residency requirement (12 months or grounds occurred in state), you can file in Howard County even if your spouse lives in another county or state.
What if my spouse doesn't respond to divorce papers?
If your spouse doesn't respond within the required timeframe in Maryland, you can request a default judgment from Howard County court.
How is property divided in Howard County?
Maryland follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors, not necessarily equally.
Does Howard County require separation before divorce?
Maryland's laws determine separation requirements. 12 months separation waiting period applies after filing. Separation is required before filing.
Can I change my name back in my divorce?
Yes, you can request to resume your maiden name or previous name as part of your Howard County divorce decree.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?
Howard County court may waive filing fees if you qualify based on low income or receipt of public assistance. File a fee waiver application with your petition.
Are divorce records public in Howard County?
Yes, divorce records filed with Howard County Circuit Court are generally public records, though you can request certain sensitive information be sealed.
Next Steps: Start Your Howard County Divorce
Step 1: Verify you meet Maryland's residency requirement (12 months or grounds occurred in state)
Step 2: Gather all required financial and personal documents
Step 3: Decide between self-filing, online service, or attorney
Step 4: Complete Howard County-specific divorce forms
Step 5: File petition with Howard County Clerk of Courts
Step 6: Serve your spouse with divorce papers
Step 7: Complete any mandatory requirements
Step 8: Finalize your divorce through settlement or hearing
About This Howard County Divorce Guide
This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about filing for divorce in Howard County, Maryland. Information covers local procedures, filing requirements, costs, and resources specific to Howard County's Circuit Court.
Last Updated: February 2026
Note: Laws and procedures change. Always verify current requirements with Howard County Clerk of Courts or consult with a qualified Maryland family law attorney.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
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