Maryland Divorce Records

When a marriage ends in Maryland, the court creates official documents that prove the divorce happened. These documents are called Maryland divorce records, and knowing how to find them and what they contain is important for many reasons. Whether you need proof of your divorce for legal purposes, want to research family history, or need information for a background check, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about accessing and understanding divorce records in Maryland.

What Are Maryland Divorce Records?

Maryland divorce records are official legal documents that prove a marriage has been legally ended by the court system. These records are created and maintained by the Maryland circuit courts when a judge grants a divorce. The main document in a divorce record is called a divorce decree, which is the final court order that officially dissolves the marriage.

A divorce decree includes important information such as the names of both people who were married, the date the divorce was finalized, the county where the divorce took place, and sometimes details about child custody, property division, and financial arrangements. These records become part of the permanent court records and are stored both at the local circuit court and eventually at the Maryland State Archives.

Understanding what's in these records can help you know what information you'll find when you request them and why they're important for various legal and personal matters.

Why You Might Need Divorce Records

There are many reasons why someone might need to access Maryland divorce records. Some of the most common reasons include:

Legal and Personal Reasons:

• Proving you're legally divorced so you can remarry
• Applying for a passport or changing your name on official documents
• Settling estate matters or inheritance claims
• Verifying your marital status for loan applications or housing
• Researching family history and genealogy
• Completing background checks for employment or legal proceedings
• Resolving property disputes or financial claims
• Updating Social Security records or benefits

Having access to these records helps protect your legal rights and makes it easier to handle important life events that require proof of your marital status.

Where Maryland Divorce Records Are Kept

Maryland divorce records are stored in two main places, depending on what type of record you need and when the divorce happened. Understanding where to look will save you time and help you get the right documents.

Circuit Courts

The circuit courts in Maryland are the primary keepers of divorce records. Each of Maryland's 24 counties, plus Baltimore City, has a circuit court. When someone files for divorce in Maryland, the case is handled by the circuit court in the county where either spouse lives. After the divorce is finalized, the circuit court clerk's office maintains the complete court file, which includes all documents filed during the divorce case.

If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or want to see the complete divorce case file, you'll need to contact the circuit court in the county where the divorce was granted. Each circuit court has a clerk's office that handles requests for copies of records. These offices can provide certified copies, which are official documents with a court seal that can be used for legal purposes.

Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records

The Maryland Department of Health, through its Division of Vital Records, also maintains information about divorces, but only for divorces that occurred on or after January 1, 1992. However, it's important to understand that the Division of Vital Records does not keep copies of actual divorce decrees.

Instead, they provide what's called a "Verification of Divorce." This is a simpler document that confirms a divorce happened and includes basic information like the names of the people who divorced, the county where it happened, the date of the decree, and the type of divorce action. This verification is accepted by many agencies as proof of divorce, but it's not the same as the actual divorce decree.

How to Get Maryland Divorce Records

Getting copies of Maryland divorce records involves different steps depending on which type of record you need and where the divorce took place. Here's a detailed look at your options.

Getting Records from Circuit Courts

To obtain a complete divorce decree or case file from a circuit court, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Correct Court - Figure out which county's circuit court handled the divorce. If you're not sure, you can search the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website, which allows you to look up cases by name.

Step 2: Contact the Clerk's Office - Each circuit court has a clerk's office that handles record requests. You can find contact information for all Maryland circuit courts on the Maryland Courts website. You can usually request records in person, by mail, or sometimes online.

Step 3: Provide Required Information - When requesting records, you'll need to provide certain information, including the names of both spouses, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if you have it. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be to locate the records.

Step 4: Pay the Fee - There is a fee for copies of court records. Fees vary by county but typically range from a few dollars for regular copies to more for certified copies. Certified copies have an official court seal and are needed for legal purposes like getting remarried.

Step 5: Wait for Processing - Processing times vary depending on how busy the court is and how you requested the records. In-person requests are usually fastest, while mail requests may take several weeks.

Getting Verification from the Division of Vital Records

If you only need a verification of divorce (not the complete decree) and the divorce occurred after January 1, 1992, you can order it from the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records. Here's how:

Online Ordering

The fastest way is to order online through the Division of Vital Records website. You'll need to create an account, provide the required information, pay by credit card, and verify your identity. You can also check your order status online.

Mail Ordering

You can download an application form from their website, complete it, include a copy of your ID and payment, and mail it to the Division of Vital Records at 6550 Reisterstown Road Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21215.

In-Person

You can visit the Division of Vital Records office in person during business hours with proper identification and payment.

Who Can Access Maryland Divorce Records

Not everyone can access Maryland divorce records. Maryland has rules about who is allowed to request and receive copies of these records to protect people's privacy.

Public vs. Restricted Records

Most divorce records in Maryland are considered public records, which means they're available to anyone who requests them. However, certain information within divorce case files may be sealed or restricted, especially if the case involves sensitive matters like domestic violence, child abuse allegations, or financial information that the court decided should remain confidential.

Authorized Requesters

While basic divorce information is public, certified copies and complete case files are usually only provided to:

• Either spouse named in the divorce record
• Legal representatives or attorneys acting on behalf of either spouse
• People who can show they have a legitimate legal interest in the records
• Authorized representatives with written permission from one of the spouses (usually requiring notarization)

If you're requesting records for genealogical research or general information, you may be able to access basic information but might not receive certified copies unless you're directly involved in the case.

Divorce Decree

When you receive your divorce decree, it's important to understand what information it contains and what it means. The divorce decree is the final court order that officially ends your marriage, and it may include several important sections.

Basic Information in a Divorce Decree

Every divorce decree includes certain standard information:

• The full legal names of both spouses
• The date the divorce was finalized (the date of the decree)
• The county and state where the divorce was granted
• The case number assigned by the court
• The judge's name and signature
• The court's seal (on certified copies)

Additional Provisions

Depending on your specific divorce case, the decree may also include:

• Property Division - Information about how marital property, assets, and debts were divided between the spouses
• Alimony - Details about whether one spouse must pay financial support to the other, including the amount, frequency, and duration of payments
• Child Custody - Arrangements for legal custody (decision-making rights) and physical custody (where children will live)
• Child Support - The amount one parent must pay to support minor children, including payment schedule and duration
• Name Changes - Whether either spouse is returning to their maiden name or a previous name

Understanding these provisions is important because they create legal obligations that both parties must follow.

Online Resources for Maryland Divorce Records

Maryland offers several online tools that make searching for divorce records easier and more convenient. These digital resources have made it much simpler to locate case information without having to visit a courthouse in person.

Maryland Judiciary Case Search

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is a free online database that allows you to search for court cases, including divorce cases, across Maryland circuit courts and district courts. You can access it at casesearch.courts.state.md.us.

This system lets you search by:

• Party name (the names of the people involved)
• Case number
• Business name
• Attorney name

When you find a case, you can see basic information about it, including the case number, filing date, case type, and status. However, you cannot view or download actual documents through this system. It's mainly useful for locating case information so you know which court to contact for copies of records.

Important Limitations

While the Case Search system is helpful, it has some limitations. Not all information from divorce cases appears in the online search results. Some details may be restricted for privacy reasons, and sealed cases may not appear at all. Additionally, the system doesn't include very old cases, so if you're looking for a divorce from many decades ago, you may need to contact the Maryland State Archives.

Different Types of Divorce Records

Maryland recognizes different types of divorce and related legal proceedings, and each creates different types of records. Understanding these differences helps you know what you're looking for.

Absolute Divorce Records

An absolute divorce is the complete legal dissolution of a marriage. This is what most people think of when they hear the word "divorce." Once an absolute divorce decree is entered, both people are free to remarry. The record of an absolute divorce includes all the final terms of the divorce settlement.

Limited Divorce Records

Maryland also has something called a "limited divorce," which is similar to a legal separation in other states. A limited divorce doesn't actually end the marriage, so neither person can remarry. Instead, it's a court order that addresses issues like living arrangements, child custody, and financial support while the couple lives apart. Limited divorce records are also kept by circuit courts.

Annulment Records

An annulment is different from a divorce because it legally declares that a valid marriage never existed. Annulment records are also maintained by circuit courts and by the Division of Vital Records (for annulments after January 1, 1992). The process for obtaining annulment records is similar to obtaining divorce records.

Historical Divorce Records

If you're searching for older Maryland divorce records, especially for genealogical research, the process is a bit different. Older records may no longer be at the circuit courts and may instead be stored at the Maryland State Archives.

Maryland State Archives

The Maryland State Archives in Annapolis preserves historical records from Maryland courts. Circuit courts transfer their older records to the Archives for permanent preservation. If you're looking for divorce records from several decades ago, you may need to contact the Archives or visit their research room.

The Archives has a helpful online guide for researching divorce records, which explains what records they have and how to access them. You can also search some of their collections online through their website at msa.maryland.gov.

Time Periods and Availability

The availability of historical divorce records varies by county. Some counties have records dating back to the 1800s, while others may have gaps in their collections. Before visiting the Archives, it's helpful to contact them or check their online finding aids to see if they have the records you're looking for.

Fees and Processing Times

Understanding the costs and timelines involved in obtaining Maryland divorce records helps you plan ahead and budget appropriately.

Fees are subject to change, and different counties may charge slightly different amounts. Always check with the specific court or agency for current fee information before submitting your request.

Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns

While most divorce records are public, Maryland law protects certain sensitive information from public disclosure. Understanding these protections is important whether you're trying to access records or want to protect your own privacy.

Sealed Records

In some cases, a judge may order that all or part of a divorce case be sealed, meaning it's not available to the public. This typically happens when:

• There are allegations of domestic violence or abuse
• The case involves sensitive information about children
• Financial information needs to be protected
• One party successfully petitions the court for privacy protection

If records are sealed, only the parties involved in the case and their attorneys can access them, usually with special court permission.

Shielded Information

Even in cases that aren't fully sealed, certain types of information are automatically shielded from public view, such as:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Detailed information about child abuse or neglect
• Medical and psychological records
• Certain address information in domestic violence cases

Common Challenges and Solutions

People often encounter difficulties when searching for Maryland divorce records. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.

Problem: You don't know which county handled the divorce. Solution: Use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search to search statewide by name. This will tell you which court has the case.

Problem: The divorce happened a long time ago and the circuit court says they don't have the records anymore.Solution: Contact the Maryland State Archives, as older records are transferred there for permanent storage.

Problem: The Division of Vital Records says they don't have a verification for your divorce. Solution: If the divorce occurred before January 1, 1992, or if there's an error in their system, contact the circuit court directly for a certified copy of the decree.

Problem: You're not sure if a divorce was ever finalized. Solution: Search the Maryland Judiciary Case Search using both parties' names. The case status will show whether a final decree was entered.

Problem: You need records quickly for a legal deadline. Solution: Visit the circuit court clerk's office in person if possible, as in-person requests are processed fastest. Some courts offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Using Divorce Records for Legal Purposes

Divorce records serve many important legal functions beyond simply proving that a marriage ended. Understanding how these records are used can help you know when you might need them.

Remarriage Requirements

Before you can legally remarry in Maryland, you must provide proof that any previous marriages have been legally ended. This usually requires a certified copy of your divorce decree. The clerk issuing your marriage license will need to see this document to verify you're free to marry.

Name Changes

If you changed your name back to your maiden name or a previous name as part of your divorce, your divorce decree serves as legal proof of that name change. You'll need certified copies to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and other official documents.

Property and Financial Matters

Divorce decrees that include property division provisions are important legal documents that prove who owns what after a divorce. You may need these records when:

• Selling property that was divided in the divorce
• Applying for loans or credit
• Settling estate matters if an ex-spouse dies
• Resolving disputes about who owns certain assets

Child Custody and Support Enforcement

If your divorce decree includes child custody or support orders, those provisions remain legally binding until the child turns 18 (or sometimes longer). These records are essential if:

• You need to enforce support payments
• You're seeking to modify custody arrangements
• You're dealing with custody disputes
• You need to prove custody for school enrollment or medical decisions

Tips for Successful Record Searches

Based on common experiences, here are some helpful tips for successfully obtaining Maryland divorce records:

Be Patient - Government offices process many requests, and it takes time. Start your search well before you actually need the records.

Get Multiple Certified Copies - If you're ordering certified copies, get several at once. Many legal processes require you to submit original certified copies that won't be returned, so having extras saves time and money.

Keep Your Own Copies - Once you receive your divorce records, make several photocopies for your files. Keep certified originals in a safe place and use copies for reference.

Double-Check Information - Before submitting a records request, verify that you have the correct spelling of names, approximate dates, and county information. Errors can delay processing.

Consider Digital Options First - Many searches can be started online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, which is free and instant. This helps you gather information before paying for official copies.

Know What You Need - Be clear about whether you need a verification of divorce (simpler and cheaper) or a full certified divorce decree. For most legal purposes, you'll need the full decree.

Protecting Your Divorce Records

Once you have copies of your divorce records, it's important to keep them safe and secure. These documents contain personal information and should be treated with the same care as other vital records like birth certificates.

Storage Recommendations:

• Keep certified copies in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box
• Store digital copies on a secure, password-protected device
• Keep copies in separate locations in case of emergency
• Never leave original documents in your car or unsecured locations
• Shred any copies you no longer need rather than just throwing them away

Resources and Contact Information

Having the right contact information makes obtaining Maryland divorce records much easier. Here are the main resources you'll need:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search Website: casesearch.courts.state.md.us - Free online search for case information

Maryland Courts Directory: mdcourts.gov/clerks - Find contact information for all circuit court clerk's offices

Division of Vital Records:

• Phone: (410) 767-7049
• Website: health.maryland.gov/vsa
• Address: 6550 Reisterstown Road Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21215

Maryland State Archives:

• Phone: (410) 260-6400
• Website: msa.maryland.gov
• Address: 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to find and use Maryland divorce records is an important skill that can help you handle many legal and personal situations. Whether you need proof of divorce for remarriage, want to research your family history, or need records for other legal purposes, knowing where to look and what to expect makes the process much smoother.

Remember that Maryland's circuit courts are the primary source for complete divorce records and certified decrees, while the Division of Vital Records provides verification for recent divorces. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is a free tool that helps you locate cases and gather basic information before requesting official copies.

By following the guidance in this article and being patient with the process, you'll be able to successfully obtain the Maryland divorce records you need. Don't hesitate to contact the appropriate office if you have questions or need help with your specific situation – clerk's offices and agency staff are there to help you navigate the system.