Is there a difference between and limited and absolute divorce in Maryland?

As of October 1, 2023, Maryland courts no longer grant limited divorces. Maryland now recognizes only absolute divorce, which legally ends the marriage.

Before October 1, 2023, a limited divorce was somewhat similar to what people commonly think of as a legal separation. It allowed the court to address certain issues between spouses who were living apart without terminating the marriage. That form of divorce has now been eliminated.

An absolute divorce legally terminates the marriage and allows the court to address issues such as the division of marital property, alimony, child custody, parenting time, and child support.