unmatchedattorney's blog

If you and your spouse are looking to end your relationship and move on, or you are done and would like to end things, then you will need to go through a few different steps to get it all done. Every state is a bit different in the rules and processes that will need to happen, but if you are filing in the state of Maryland, you will need to go to the circuit court to get the ball rolling. If the ground for divorce did happen outside the state, then one of the two spouses will need to have been a resident of Maryland for a minimum of six months by the time of filing. If not, then you will need to wait to file. 

To file for the divorce, you will need to go get the form Complaint for Absolute Divorce. The form will also list all of the other documents that will need to come with the complaint. It may depend on the situation and what you have available to give to the courts. Making sure that you have it all organized ahead of time will help speed up the process. You may also need to file the Civil Domestic Information Report, but you can ask your lawyer about that one. 

Maryland will charge a fee to file for the divorce, and this is pretty standard. If your income is low and you do not have the money for the fee, it is possible to get a fee waiver. Your lawyer will be able to help you get this one done. You will also need to provide copies of the complaint and all of these attachments to your spouse through the service of process. You can also send the court proof that you served your spouse. Once your spouse is served:

# They have 30 days to respond if they were served in the state of Maryland

# They have 60 days to respond if they were served in another state. 

# They have 90 days to respond if they were served outside of the country

If the spouse doesn’t respond, then the spouse who filed can ask the court for an order of default, moving things forward without the other spouse. 

Need reliable legal support? Our experienced Howard County lawyer      is here to help you navigate complex legal matters, from family law to civil disputes and more. With a deep understanding of local laws and a commitment to protecting your rights, we strive for the best possible outcome in every case. Don’t face legal challenges alone—reach out to our trusted Howard County lawyer today to schedule your consultation.