Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Divorce

There are a number of grounds for divorce in Maryland. They are:

• Divorce by mutual consent
• Twelve-month continuous separation without cohabitation
• Adultery
• Desertion
• Cruelty of treatment
• Excessively vicious conduct
• Insanity
• One spouse having been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor with at least a three-year sentence.

To get a divorce in Maryland, the grounds for the divorce must have occurred in Maryland, or at least one of the parties must have resided in Maryland for at least six months prior to filing.

Yes, so long as you and your spouse do not have minor children together; you have entered into a written separation agreement; and you both appear at the divorce hearing. If you meet these criteria, then there is no waiting period to get divorced under the ground of mutual consent.

In Maryland, the parties typically must live separate and apart without cohabitation for twelve consecutive months before an absolute divorce can be granted. There are some grounds for divorce, like adultery, that do not require a waiting period, and you can also get divorced immediately if adultery is proven.