Annotate Legal Maryland Life Documents Newly Divorced Forms For Free

New Law Effective October 1, 2023 The new law scheduled to become effective in October eliminates the concept of limited divorce and changes the grounds for absolute divorce. Beginning in October, there will be only three grounds for absolute divorce: 6-month separation, irreconcilable differences, and mutual consent.

To file for divorce, you can use form CC-DR-020 (Complaint for Absolute Divorce). The form lists other documents you need to attach to your complaint. You may also need to file a Civil Domestic Information Report(CC-DCM-001). There is a fee, but you may be eligible for a fee waiver based on your income.

The average cost of divorce in Maryland is $11,000. Coming in a tad lower than the national average of 15,000-20,000. This calculation considers the following legal fees associated with divorce: Court Filing Fees ($165 in Maryland) Attorney Hourly Rate(~$280 in Maryland)

Maryland accepts seven fault grounds for an absolute divorce, including adultery, desertion, conviction of certain crimes, insanity, cruelty, and excessively vicious conduct. We will focus on adultery and desertion as examples.

You will need to petition the court for a name change, which is a different process. You have an 18-month window of time after your divorce is final during which you may ask the court to restore your former name.

For now, the quickest route to obtain a divorce is an uncontested, no fault twelve month separation. In order to meet the requirements for this type of divorce, it is important to clearly establish the separation date. This will determine the twelve-month mark for when you can file a complaint for absolute divorce.