Maryland Dissolution of Marriage Records

Maryland dissolution of marriage records are court documents held by the Circuit Court in each county and in Baltimore City. These files include the complaint, final divorce decree, and all papers filed during the case. You can search cases online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, or request copies directly from the clerk's office in the county where the dissolution was filed. The Division of Vital Records at the Maryland Department of Health also keeps divorce verifications for cases finalized from 1992 to the present.

Where to Find Maryland Dissolution of Marriage Records

Maryland handles dissolution of marriage through its Circuit Court system. Each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City has its own Circuit Court that keeps divorce case files. The clerk's office stores every paper filed in the case, from the original complaint to the final decree signed by the judge. You must go to the county where the divorce was filed, not where you live now. The Maryland Courts divorce page has a full overview of the process and links to forms and resources for filing statewide.

The Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records is a second source for dissolution of marriage records. This office does not hold full case files. It keeps verification records that confirm a divorce took place. A verification shows the names of both parties, the date of the decree, the county, and the type of divorce action. These verifications only cover divorces finalized on or after January 1, 1992. You can request a verification from Vital Records at health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/divorce.aspx for $12 per record. Only the divorced parties, their attorneys, or authorized representatives may request these verifications.

The Maryland State Archives is a third source, particularly for older cases. The Archives holds historical divorce records going back as far as the 1600s for some counties. Browse the Archives guide at guide.msa.maryland.gov to see what is available by county. The Archives also has an online order form for certified copies of older decrees at shop.msa.maryland.gov for $25 per copy, non-refundable.

How to Search Dissolution of Marriage Cases in Maryland

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the main free tool for looking up dissolution of marriage cases online. It covers all Circuit Courts across the state. You can search by party name or case number and see basic case details: the case type, filing date, parties involved, and scheduled hearings. Case Search does not show the actual documents. Access it at casesearch.courts.state.md.us at no cost.

When searching by name, use a percent sign (%) after the first few letters of the last name to find partial matches. Entering "SMIT%" will return Smith, Smithson, and similar names. This helps when you are unsure of the spelling. The advanced search lets you filter by county, case type, and date range. Selecting "Family" as the case type narrows results to domestic relations cases including dissolution of marriage. Use the % wildcard for the best results, since Case Search defaults to exact name matching.

To get actual copies of dissolution of marriage documents, you must contact the Circuit Court Clerk where the case was filed. Online search gives case status and basic info only. The court records access page explains what is and is not available online. Most clerks accept requests in person, by mail, or by email. Copy fees are $0.50 per page and certification adds $5.00 per document across Maryland. A new consolidated Maryland Judiciary Case Search and Record Portal launched March 14, 2026, combining the old Case Search with enhanced record access under Maryland Rule 20-109.

Types of Dissolution of Marriage Records in Maryland

Maryland dissolution of marriage records come in two main forms. The divorce decree is the full court record. It is the final order signed by the judge that ends the marriage. The decree covers property division, alimony, child custody, visitation, and support. You get this from the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the case was filed. This is what most people need for legal matters like changing a name, transferring property, or handling financial accounts.

The divorce verification is a shorter document from the Maryland Department of Health. It does not include terms of the settlement. A verification is useful when you only need proof that a dissolution occurred, such as when remarrying or updating certain records. The fee is $12 per verification, and records only go back to January 1, 1992 through this office. For anything older, you need the Circuit Court or the State Archives.

A full dissolution of marriage case file in Maryland typically contains:

• Complaint for Absolute Divorce (Form CC-DR-020)
• Answer and any counter-complaint (Form CC-DR-050)
• Financial statements from both parties (Forms CC-DR-030/031)
• Joint statement on marital and non-marital property (Form CC-DR-033)
• Marital settlement agreement (Form CC-DR-116)
• Child custody and support provisions, if applicable
• Judgment of Absolute Divorce (Form CC-DR-072)

Standard Maryland family law forms are available at courts.state.md.us/family/family-forms. The Guide and File system at courts.state.md.us/guideandfile helps self-represented people complete the complaint, answer, and other required papers step by step.

Maryland Dissolution of Marriage Laws

Maryland uses the term "absolute divorce" in its statutes rather than dissolution of marriage, but they refer to the same legal act. The laws governing divorce in Maryland are found in Title 7 of the Family Law Article. These rules set grounds, residency requirements, and how property gets divided when a marriage ends.

Under Md. Code, Family Law § 7-101, one party must be a Maryland resident at the time of filing. If the grounds for dissolution occurred in Maryland, you only need to be living here now. If the grounds occurred outside the state, at least one party must have lived in Maryland for six months before filing. Maryland's residency rule is more flexible than many states in this regard.

Maryland law under Md. Code, Family Law § 7-103 provides three grounds for absolute divorce: six-month separation, irreconcilable differences, and mutual consent. The six-month separation ground under § 7-103(b) requires the parties to have lived separate and apart without interruption before filing. Maryland considers spouses to have lived separate and apart even when in the same residence, provided they pursued separate lives. Mutual consent under § 7-103(e) requires a written settlement agreement signed by both parties that covers alimony, property, and any matters involving minor children.

Property division in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Family Law § 8-205. Maryland is an equitable distribution state. The court may grant monetary awards, transfer pensions or retirement plans, and order other property adjustments. Factors include each party's contributions to the family, the length of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of both spouses. Maryland does not automatically split marital assets 50/50.

Dissolution of Marriage Fees in Maryland

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Maryland costs $165 without an attorney and $175 with an attorney. These fees are paid to the Circuit Court Clerk at the time of filing. Fee waivers are available based on income. You can apply by filing Form CC-DC-089 and showing proof of low income. The judge reviews the request and decides if you qualify.

Copies of existing dissolution of marriage records cost $0.50 per page at any Circuit Court in Maryland. A certified copy adds $5.00 per document. Some courts charge $10.00 for an exemplified (triple-sealed) copy. Payment methods vary by county. Most accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some courts also take Visa, Mastercard, and Discover in person. Baltimore County accepts email requests with credit card payment. Always call or check the specific county page before sending payment.

Vital Records divorce verifications cost $12 each through the Maryland Department of Health. State Archives copies of older dissolution decrees cost $25 per copy. Both fees are non-refundable if no record is found. Contact the Maryland State Archives at 410-260-6400 for details on ordering archived dissolution of marriage records.

Getting Copies of Dissolution of Marriage Records

To get copies from the Circuit Court, you need the full names of both parties at the time of the dissolution, the approximate date of filing or finalization, and the case number if you have it. Bring a valid photo ID for in-person visits. Most courts process same-day requests if records are on-site. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days plus transit time.

For Vital Records divorce verifications, mail your request to the Division of Vital Records at 6550 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown Road Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21215. You can also call 410-764-3038 or 1-800-832-3277 to learn more. For historical dissolution of marriage records not available through the Circuit Court or Vital Records, contact the Maryland State Archives at 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401, by phone at 410-260-6400, or by email at msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov.

Legal Help with Dissolution of Marriage in Maryland

Several statewide resources can help with dissolution of marriage cases in Maryland. The Maryland Courts Self-Help Center offers free assistance with civil and family matters by phone at 410-260-1392, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM. This is not legal advice, but staff can help you find forms and understand the process for filing a dissolution of marriage in Maryland.

The Family Law Helpline at 1-800-845-8550 operates Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can also use the online Guide and File system to fill out court forms step by step. It covers complaints for absolute divorce, answers, contempt petitions, and protective order forms. The Maryland Courts forms page at mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/family/divorceforms has direct links to all standard dissolution of marriage forms.

Many counties have their own free family law programs. Montgomery County has a Family Law Self-Help Center in Rockville. Carroll County holds free seminars and advice clinics weekly. Howard County runs morning and evening family law sessions at its courthouse and at the East Columbia 50+ Center. Washington County holds self-help clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Circuit Court Law Library. Each county page lists local legal help options specific to that area.

Are Dissolution of Marriage Records Public in Maryland

Yes. Dissolution of marriage records are generally public in Maryland. Anyone can request copies of divorce case files from the Circuit Court. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The Maryland Public Information Act gives the public the right to access government records, and court files fall under this framework.

Some portions of a dissolution of marriage case file may have limited access. Financial statements showing bank account numbers may be redacted. Details about minor children may be withheld from public copies. Certain older records stored in archival systems at some county courts require staff retrieval and may take longer to process. Juvenile and adoption records are entirely separate and require a court order to access.

A party may ask a judge to seal their dissolution of marriage file. This is uncommon and requires a court hearing with a showing of good cause. If sealed, the file is not available to the public. Most dissolution of marriage records in Maryland remain open and accessible at the county clerk's office where the case was filed.

Historical Dissolution of Marriage Records in Maryland

Maryland has some of the oldest accessible divorce records in the country. Allegany County holds records going back to 1791. Cecil County has records from as early as 1674. Caroline and Anne Arundel counties have records from the 1800s. Before 1842, the Maryland General Assembly actually granted divorces by private act rather than through the court system. Those legislative divorce records are held at the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis.

The Archives guide at guide.msa.maryland.gov lists what is available for each county and time period. The Archives order form at shop.msa.maryland.gov lets you request certified copies for $25 each. You need the plaintiff's name, defendant's name, place of divorce, date of divorce, and case number if known. The Archives address is 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Browse Maryland Dissolution of Marriage by County

Each county in Maryland has its own Circuit Court Clerk who maintains dissolution of marriage records. Select a county below to find local contact information, fees, and resources.

View All 23 Maryland Counties

Dissolution of Marriage Records in Maryland Cities

Residents of major Maryland cities file for dissolution of marriage at their county Circuit Court. Select a city below to find local court info, directions, and resources.

View Major Maryland Cities