Divorce

Divorce in Maryland is known as “absolute divorce.” There used to be another option called a “limited divorce,” but that was abolished as of October 1, 2023.¹ 

You or your spouse can get an absolute divorce based on the following grounds:

1. irreconcilable differences;
2. if you and your spouse have lived separate and apart for at least six months, without interruption, leading up to filing the application for divorce; or
3. mutual consent, which requires a settlement agreement that addresses all of the issues between you and your spouse, including alimony, custody, child support, and division of property.² To read more about divorce by mutual consent, see Can I get an absolute divorce if my spouse agrees to the divorce?

Note: Even if you and your spouse live under the same roof, you can still meet the ground of living “separate and apart,” mentioned above in #2, if you have pursued separate lives.³

¹ See MD Code, Fam. Law § 7-102
² MD Code, Fam. Law § 7-103(a)
³ MD Code, Fam. Law § 7-103(b)