(Watch a video on service of process in the Circuit Court.)
You must also send to the court proof that your spouse received copies. The spouse filing the initial Complaint must provide a copy to his or her spouse. Make enough copies of your documents for your spouse and be sure to keep at least one copy for yourself. To open a case: File your divorce documents in the circuit court in the county where you or your spouse live. Watch a video on divorce forms.įor all counties except Baltimore City and Prince George’s County: The Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Marital and Non-Marital Property, financial statements, and some other forms must be accompanied by a Notice Regarding Restricted Information Pursuant to Rule 20-201.1 (MDJ-008). You may also need to file a Civil Domestic Information Report (CC-DCM-001), financial forms, Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Marital and Non-Marital Property (CC-DR-033), a settlement agreement, and fee waiver forms. If you want to respond to a divorce case that your spouse has opened, use the Answer (CC-DR-050) and, if necessary, a Counter-Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-094) or Limited Divorce (CC-DR-111). If you want to initiate or open a divorce case, use the Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-020) or Complaint for Limited Divorce (CC-DR-021). (Watch a video on Mutual Consent Divorce.) You may get an absolute divorce on the grounds of mutual consent, which requires you and your spouse to complete a settlement agreement. Mutual consent (Watch a video on Mutual Consent Divorce.).Additional grounds for absolute divorce.Cruelty and excessively vicious conduct.Watch a video on grounds for divorce, which defines the grounds below. One spouse must prove that at least one “ground” exists before the court may grant a divorce. What are legal reasons, or grounds, for divorce? These lawyers can’t represent you in court, but they can help you represent yourself.
#Judicial consent full movie online free
If you plan to represent yourself, talk to a free lawyer at your local Family Court Help Center or by calling the Maryland Court Help Center. Consider having a lawyer represent you if your case has complicated issues or if your spouse has a lawyer. You may have a lot at stake if child custody is an issue, or if property, retirement assets, or alimony needs to be resolved. Separation can be a legal reason (or ground) for divorce, depending on how long you and your spouse are separated.ĭivorce can be complex. If you and your spouse live apart with the intention of ending your marriage, and if you do not have sexual intercourse during that time, that constitutes separation. There is no such thing as a “legal separation” in Maryland. File for limited divorce if you and your spouse need the court to address issues such as child custody or finances before you are eligible for an absolute divorce. In a limited divorce, some important issues are settled, but it does not end your marriage.Once finalized, you and your ex-spouse may remarry. It settles all issues, including property. Absolute divorce legally ends your marriage.There are two types of divorces in Maryland.