Divorce Residency Essentials to Get Divorce in Maryland

When you file for divorce in Maryland, there is a six-month residency requirement if the grounds for divorce occurred outside of the state. If the grounds for divorce occurred within the state, there is no minimum residency requirement.

Reasons for Divorce in Maryland

Maryland recognizes both at-fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. The no-fault grounds in Maryland include separation where the parties have lived apart without cohabitation for 12 months. Separation can only be used as a no-fault grounds when the parties have no minor children and all issues of property, debt and support have been agreed-upon.

For a fault-based divorce, the state of Maryland recognizes adultery, cruelty, excessively vicious conduct, insanity, willful desertion and conviction of a felony. Other reasons may be accepted too, but they do not tend to be applicable in an uncontested divorce.

Custody of the Children in Maryland

Joint legal custody is not always awarded in a contested situation, but it can be agreed upon by both parties. The court always considers the best interests of the child as well any agreement adopted by the parents when determining legal and physical custody. Working out a mutual agreement for any disputes can help the divorce proceed through the courts as an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce can be completed without an attorney making it more affordable, easier and faster.

Maryland Child Support Guidelines

Standard Maryland child support guidelines apply in nearly every case, barring exceptional circumstances. The gross income of both parents and certain child-related expenses are taken into consideration when calculating child support figures. Child support is paid until the child reaches age 18 but may be extended through the completion of the child’s secondary education.

Venue

Divorce in the state of Maryland should be filed in the county where the filing spouse resides or where the defendant resides, is employed, or owns a place of business.

Divorce Mediation

In Maryland, the court may order the divorcing parties to mediate custody or visitation disputes if it is determined that mediation would be beneficial. The parties may voluntarily choose to mediate disputed issues so that the divorce may proceed in court as an uncontested divorce.

Filing fees

In Maryland, the court filing fees are in addition to the cost of using OnlineDivorceSolutions.com. These filing costs vary from county to county. Check with your local courthouse for more information about these charges.