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Our platform streamlines the divorce process, guiding you to a desired outcome with minimal stress.

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Why Choose Divorce.com?

Benefits of an online divorce

Divorce.com is an affordable and fast online way to prepare forms for an uncontested divorce. It allows spouses to inexpensively and safely complete pre-divorce preparations without a lawyer in the comfort of their home.

With Divorce.com, you will get customized divorce papers, a free detailed filing guide, and quality service. In addition, with Divorce.com, you no longer have to deal with local Family Law requirements and decipher legal terminology.

Benefits of an online divorce

The online platform works on any device and is available anywhere and anytime. All you need to do is follow these easy steps:

  • Fill out a divorce and marriage-related questionnaire. Take breaks if necessary - the system saves your progress.
  • Edit your answers an unlimited number of times to ensure they are correct before submitting.
  • Download and print ready-to-sign PDF forms that are available in your account in just two business days.

Divorce.com is your trusted assistant for an uncontested divorce.

Benefits of an online divorce

Maryland Divorce Forms

The list of basic forms for an uncontested divorce in Maryland may include but is not limited to:

  • Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-020)
  • Complaint for Limited Divorce (CC-DR-021)
  • Answer (CC-DR-050)
  • Limited Divorce (CC-DR-111)
  • Civil Domestic Information Report (CC-DCM-001)
  • Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Marital and Non-Marital Property (CC-DR-033)
  • Notice Regarding Restricted Information Pursuant to Rule 20-201.1 (MDJ-008)
  • Financial Statement (Child Support Guidelines) (CC-DR-030)
  • Civil Domestic Case Information Report (CC-DCM-001)
  • Financial Statement (General) (CC-DR-031)
  • Request for Order of Default (CC-DR-054)
  • Affidavit of Service (Private Process) (CC-DR-055)
  • Affidavit of Service (Certified Mail Restricted Delivery-Receipt Requested) (CC-DR-056)
  • Certificate of Service (CC-DR-058)
  • Request for Hearing or Proceeding (CC-DR-059)
  • Notice - Alternate Service (CC-DR-072)
  • Supplemental Page to Family Law forms (CC-DR-076)
  • Maryland Parenting Plan Tool (CC-DR-109)
  • Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Decision-Making Authority and Parenting Time (CC-DR-110)
  • Petition for Contempt (CC-DR-112)

    • The list of divorce forms may vary depending on the case circumstances, the presence of minor children, and extensive property with debts. In addition, some Maryland counties may request specific local forms.

The list of divorce forms may vary depending on the case circumstances, the presence of minor children, and extensive property with debts. In addition, some Maryland counties may request specific local forms.

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Steps to Consider

Filing for Divorce in Maryland

Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Maryland, at least one of the spouses must be a state resident. According to the Maryland Code, Family Law § 7-10, the petitioner or respondent must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing.

To prove their residency, spouses can attach a driver’s license, tax filings, witness statements, etc., to their forms.

If the spouses do not meet the residency requirements, Maryland has no jurisdiction to hear the case.

Grounds for Divorce

To legally end a marriage in Maryland, you must establish one of the statutory grounds for divorce. Under Maryland law, a court can grant a divorce on the grounds of:

6-Month Separation: The parties must have lived separate and apart for 6 months without interruption before filing for divorce. Maryland law considers spouses who have pursued separate lives to have lived separate and apart, even if they reside in the same home or the separation is in accordance with a court order. This ground applies when spouses have effectively ended their relationship and lived separately for an extended period.

Irreconcilable Differences: This ground is used when a married couple faces significant issues or conflicts that cannot be resolved, leading to the breakdown of the marriage. It indicates that the spouses have fundamental differences that make it impractical for them to continue living together as a married couple.

Mutual Consent: Both spouses agree to divorce and sign a written agreement (marital settlement agreement) that resolves all issues related to alimony, marital property, and the care, custody, and support of any minor or dependent children. This ground allows for a streamlined and amicable divorce process when both parties are in agreement. The court must be satisfied that the agreement serves the best interests of any minor or dependent children.

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

Initial Filing

The Supreme Courts of Maryland and their branches in the respective counties hear divorce cases. To start a divorce, the petitioner must file a Petition and Summons with the local court in the county where one of the spouses resides.

Partners can do this in person or through the electronic filing system. To file divorce papers through the e-filing system without a lawyer, the petitioner should check if this service is available in their county.

Filing Fees

In Maryland, the average filing fees are about $215. However, the price may vary depending on the county where spouses apply.

If the petitioner has a low income and cannot afford to pay the fee, they may file a request for a waiver of the court fee. They should complete and submit a Request for Waiver of Prepaid Costs in this case.

Serving the Respondent

When the petitioner has filed documents with the court, they need to serve the other spouse and notify them about their intentions to get a divorce. The petitioner can deliver copies of the documents to the respondent in several ways:

  • by hiring a sheriff
  • by publishing in a local newspaper
  • by certified mail, with a return receipt.

If the respondent is in jail or in the military, the court may suggest alternative service options.

Waiting Period

There is no mandatory waiting period between filing a Petition and receiving a final judgment in Maryland. However, spouses should meet the specific time limits of the grounds for divorce.

For example, to get a no-fault divorce, spouses must show that they have been separated voluntarily for twelve months or involuntarily for two years. At the same time, spouses do not have to live in different houses. It is enough to confirm that they lived under the same roof without sexual cohabitation.

Finalizing a Divorce Case

The spouses must file a Request for Hearing (Form CC-DR-059) to finalize the divorce unless the court automatically schedules the hearing. Some counties in Maryland may require both spouses to sign and file a joint request to schedule a hearing on their case, based on mutual consent.

After reviewing the submitted forms and agreements in an uncontested case, the judge may grant a divorce at the first hearing.

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How to Fill Out Divorce Forms in Maryland

Filling out divorce papers is one of the most challenging stages of divorce. However, spouses can organize and simplify this step by following the instructions below.

  • Study the blanks and instructions for completing them.
  • Familiarize yourself with the requirements of the Maryland Family Law and learn the legal terms.
  • Gather the necessary documents and information to complete the paperwork.
  • Discuss the divorce terms with your spouse to make sure both of you want a divorce.
  • Fill out the forms according to the instructions.
  • Check the completed forms for mistakes and typos and correct them, if necessary.

Before filing papers with the court, it is essential to review the forms because if the court clerk finds mistakes or incorrect information, they will reject the documents. As a result, spouses will have to re-file their papers.

After completing the documents, the spouses should clarify which documents they need to have notarized.

As an alternative to self-preparation paperwork, spouses can use Divorce.com.

Divorce.com allows partners to generate their forms for an amicable divorce without the hassle and fuss. All you need to do is complete our online application and download the ready-made documents from your account, within two business days.

After that, spouses can immediately submit the received documents to the court.

Child custody

Getting a Divorce with Children on Divorce.com

Child Custody

In Maryland, the court divides custody issues into physical and legal.

  • Physical custody refers to where the child resides.
  • Legal custody gives the parent the right to make crucial decisions such as religion, education, and medical treatment on the kid’s behalf.
Child custody

In addition, the court divides custody, depending on the rights and obligations of each parent.

  • In sole custody, the custodial parent is only responsible for the child.
  • In joint custody, both parents are responsible for the child’s welfare.

Parents can resolve the custody issues independently by submitting the parental plan to the judge for approval. If the parents disagree, the court will consider the case circumstances and decide based on the child’s best interests.

The judge may consider the following factors:

  • the child’s preference
  • the age, health, and sex of the child
  • the length of the child’s separation from the parent
  • the character and reputation of each parent
  • the material opportunities each parent can offer affecting the child’s future
  • the child’s attachment to school, home, and society
  • the relationship of the child with parents and family members
  • the residences of each parent, including opportunities for visitation and geographic proximity of the parental homes.

In addition, the court may order parents to complete parenting courses before receiving a custody decree.

Uncontested Divorce in Maryland

An uncontested divorce means that both spouses have reached an agreement regarding the property division, child custody, spousal support, and other divorce-related matters, and have signed a Settlement Agreement.

If spouses have minor disputes regarding divorce terms, they may turn to mediation. Mediation can help them resolve disputes out of court and get an amicable divorce.

If the spouses seek to cooperate, mediation will take no more than a few weeks. Since the mediator is a neutral third party, they will try to find the best compromise and solution that satisfies each party.

In an uncontested divorce, spouses may also do a DIY divorce. However, partners without legal training may experience difficulties in the pre-divorce stage. Divorce.com can help couples get through paperwork by saving them time, money, and nerves.

Child Support

In Maryland, both parents are responsible for their children’s support, welfare, care, and education until they graduate from high school or are 19 years old.

Child custody

The support share that each parent must pay is calculated following the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. Payments are based on the combined actual income of both parents. Even if a co-parent is unemployed, the court calculates child support, based on a determination of potential income.

Child Support

FAQ

How long will it take to get divorced in Maryland?

An uncontested divorce can last an average of two to three months. A contested divorce may last more than one year.

Can I get a free divorce in Maryland?

Spouses with low income can apply for a Request for Waiver of Prepaid Costs. If the court approves their request, they will not have to pay legal fees.

How do I file for divorce in Maryland?

In Maryland, spouses should file for divorce in the county where one of them resides. They can also use the e-filing system to file legal papers.

How much does a divorce cost in Maryland?

The average cost of a divorce in Maryland is $13,500. However, the price may vary depending on the case specifics. The initial price for divorce usually starts at $215 for filing fees.

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