Maryland Divorce Law

Maryland is a state with strict and complex divorce and family law. There are few clauses or conditions that need to be fulfilled if you wish to get an absolute divorce in Maryland. They are:

Maryland Residency Requirement

According to the Maryland Divorce Laws and Maryland Divorce Guidelines, it is mandatory to fulfill the Residency requirement even for the court to accept your case. If any one of the spouse is living in Maryland for more than one year, they could apply for divorce in Maryland. Also, in case the reason stated as the ground occurred outside of Maryland, one of the spouses must have been a resident of Maryland for at least one year before filing for divorce. In all other cases either spouse may file for divorce in Maryland. The residency requirement doubles to 2 years, in cases the reason for split up is insanity.

Place of Divorce

If residency requirement is met, couple can file for legal split up in Maryland. They also have the right to file their papers in any country where either of the spouses resides.

Process to file for Divorce in Maryland

Like any other state in United States, Maryland also has three basic procedural steps. Every couple filling for a divorce in Maryland needs to follow these:

i) File Maryland Divorce Papers (Maryland Divorce Forms)

ii) Notify Spouse of your filing for divorce in Maryland

iii) Attend your Maryland divorce hearing

Property Distribution

Maryland Family Law or Maryland Divorce Law supports equitable distribution of property. They try to divide the property in such a manner that that both parties agree to the division. The main regarding property distribution arises when the split is agreed divorce. However, if the parties do not agree to the distribution, they could decide to go to the Maryland divorce lawyer or divorce attorney to make the case into a Contested Divorce. 

Apart from Property or Assets, the liabilities or debts are also considered. Most divorcing spouses set out who will pay what debts as part of their marital settlement agreement during the divorce process, and close all of their joint accounts.

Alimony (Spousal Support) in an Uncontested Divorce may be awarded to either spouse for their support and maintenance after the divorce. Both parties must agree to it. Since most spouses are working, alimony (if awarded at all), is usually for a shorter period of time, and smaller amount than in the past. Alimony may be paid in a lump sum payment of money or a payment plan. Alimony is not required for a person to get divorced in Maryland.