After a divorce is finalized, you may need official documentation proving that your marriage has been legally dissolved. Whether you're applying for a mortgage, getting remarried, updating government records, or handling other legal matters, having access to your Maryland divorce certificate or decree is essential. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about obtaining divorce records in Maryland, including the difference between various types of documents and step-by-step instructions for requesting copies.
Maryland Divorce Documents
Before requesting divorce records, it's important to understand the different types of documents available and which one you need for your specific purpose.
Divorce Decree vs. Verification of Divorce
Maryland provides two primary types of divorce documentation, each serving different purposes:
Divorce Decree (Judgment of Divorce)
A divorce decree is a formal court order issued at the end of divorce proceedings that finalizes the dissolution of a marriage. This comprehensive legal document may also be called a final judgment or judgment of divorce. The decree contains detailed information about all aspects of the divorce, including property division, alimony arrangements, child custody decisions, and child support obligations. This is the official court record of your divorce.
Verification of Divorce
This is a simpler document issued by the Maryland Department of Health that confirms a divorce occurred. The verification includes the names of the persons divorced, the county where the divorce took place, the date of the decree, and the type of divorce action. While less detailed than the full decree, this verification is accepted by many agencies as proof of divorce.
Obtaining a Copy of Your Divorce Decree
The divorce decree is the most comprehensive record of your divorce and must be obtained from the circuit court that granted your divorce.
Where to Request Your Decree
To get a copy of your divorce decree, contact the circuit court in the county where your divorce was finalized. Maryland has circuit courts in each of its 23 counties plus Baltimore City. Each circuit court maintains records of divorces granted in that jurisdiction.
The Maryland Judiciary provides a directory of circuit courts on its website, including contact information, addresses, and hours of operation for each location. If you're unsure which county granted your divorce, you may need to check records or contact the court where you believe the case was filed.
Using Maryland Case Search
Maryland provides a free online tool called Maryland Judiciary Case Search that allows you to locate divorce cases filed in Maryland courts. This system can help you identify:
- The court where your divorce was filed
- Your case number
- The date your divorce was finalized
- Basic case information
While Case Search provides useful information for locating your case, it does not provide copies of the actual divorce decree. You must still contact the appropriate circuit court to obtain certified copies of court documents.
Requesting Copies from the Circuit Court
Once you've identified the correct circuit court, you can request copies of your divorce decree through several methods:
In Person: Visit the clerk's office at the circuit court during business hours. Bring valid identification and be prepared to provide information about your case, including the case number if you have it, the names of both parties, and the approximate date of the divorce.
By Mail: Send a written request to the clerk of the circuit court. Include your full name, your former spouse's name, the approximate date of divorce, your case number if known, your contact information, and a check or money order for applicable fees. Also include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the documents.
Online: Some Maryland counties offer online access to court records or online ordering systems. Check with your specific county's circuit court to see what online services are available.
Fees for Divorce Decrees
Circuit courts charge fees for providing copies of divorce decrees. Fees vary by county but typically range from $5 to $20 for the first few pages, with additional charges for extra pages. Certified copies (official copies with a court seal) cost more than regular copies. Contact your specific circuit court for current fee information.
Obtaining a Verification of Divorce
For divorces that occurred on or after January 1, 1992, you can obtain a verification of divorce from the Division of Vital Records, which is part of the Maryland Department of Health.
Who Can Request a Verification
Not everyone can order a verification of divorce. Maryland law restricts access to protect privacy. The following people may apply for a verification of divorce:
- Either spouse named on the record
- A representative of either spouse named on the record (must provide a notarized letter from the spouse granting permission)
- An attorney representing either spouse named on the record (must provide proof of representation)
This restricted access ensures that divorce information is not available to unauthorized parties.
How to Order a Verification of Divorce
The Division of Vital Records offers multiple convenient methods for ordering divorce verifications:
Online Ordering: The Maryland Department of Health maintains an online ordering system for vital records including divorce verifications. This is often the fastest method. You'll need to create an account, provide identifying information, pay by credit card, and verify your eligibility to receive the record.
Mail Orders: You can mail a completed application form along with required identification documents and payment to the Division of Vital Records. The application form is available on the Maryland Department of Health website. Include a copy of your valid government-issued photo ID, the applicable fee (check or money order), and any required authorization letters if applying as a representative.
In Person: Visit the Division of Vital Records office in Baltimore during business hours. Bring valid photo identification and payment. In-person requests may receive same-day service depending on processing times.
Required Information
When requesting a verification of divorce, you'll need to provide:
- Full names of both parties at the time of divorce
- County where the divorce was granted
- Approximate or exact date of the divorce decree
- Your relationship to the parties (if you're one of the divorced parties)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Payment for applicable fees
Fees and Processing Times
The Division of Vital Records charges a fee for each verification of divorce requested. As of current rates, the fee is typically around $12 for the first copy and slightly less for additional copies ordered at the same time. Credit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted. Cash may be accepted for in-person requests.
Processing times vary by method:
- Online orders: 5-10 business days
- Mail orders: 2-4 weeks
- In-person orders: Same day or within 24 hours
You can check the status of online orders through the Maryland Department of Health website using your order confirmation number.
Divorces Before January 1, 1992
The Division of Vital Records only verifies divorces that occurred on or after January 1, 1992. For divorces finalized before this date, you must obtain records directly from the circuit court that granted the divorce.
These older records are maintained by the circuit court clerk's office in the county where the divorce was granted. Some older records may be archived, which can extend processing time. Contact the appropriate circuit court for information about accessing historical divorce records.
What Information Is Included in Divorce Records
Understanding what information appears in different types of divorce documents helps you determine which record suits your needs.
Information in a Divorce Decree
A complete divorce decree typically includes:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Case number and court information
- Date the divorce was granted
- Grounds for divorce
- Property division details
- Alimony arrangements (if applicable)
- Child custody and visitation orders (if applicable)
- Child support obligations (if applicable)
- Name change orders (if applicable)
- Judge's signature and court seal
Information in a Verification of Divorce
A verification of divorce contains more limited information:
- Names of both parties
- County where divorce was granted
- Date of the divorce decree
- Type of divorce action (absolute divorce)
- State seal verifying authenticity
The verification does not include detailed financial information, property division, custody arrangements, or other specifics contained in the full decree.
Public Access to Divorce Records
Divorce records in Maryland are generally considered public records, meaning members of the public can access basic information about divorce cases. However, certain information may have restricted access to protect privacy.
What Is Publicly Accessible
Through Maryland Judiciary Case Search and circuit court records, the public can typically access:
- Names of parties
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Court locations
- Hearing dates
- Basic case status
What Has Restricted Access
Certain sensitive information in divorce files may have restricted or sealed access:
- Detailed financial information
- Information regarding minor children
- Documents marked confidential by court order
- Sealed portions of settlement agreements
- Mental health evaluations
- Substance abuse records
Courts balance the principle of public access with the need to protect privacy, particularly regarding children and sensitive financial or personal information.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
When requesting divorce records, you'll typically have the option of certified or uncertified copies.
Certified Copies
Certified copies are official copies that include a raised seal or stamp from the issuing agency (circuit court or Division of Vital Records) and a signature from an authorized official. These copies are considered legal proof of the divorce and are accepted by government agencies, courts, and other official bodies.
Most organizations requiring divorce documentation will specifically request certified copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies due to the additional authentication process.
Uncertified Copies
Uncertified copies are photocopies of the divorce decree or verification without official seals or signatures. While these copies contain the same information, they lack official authentication and may not be accepted for legal or official purposes.
Uncertified copies are useful for your personal records or situations where official certification is not required. They cost less than certified copies.
Correcting Errors in Divorce Records
If you discover errors in your divorce decree or verification, you'll need to take steps to correct them.
Errors in the Divorce Decree
For mistakes in the divorce decree itself, you must petition the circuit court that issued the decree. Common correctable errors include misspelled names, incorrect dates, or mathematical errors in financial calculations.
File a motion with the court explaining the error and requesting correction. Some errors may require a hearing, while others can be corrected administratively if both parties agree that the record contains a mistake.
Errors in the Verification
If the verification of divorce from the Division of Vital Records contains errors that originated in the circuit court record, you must first correct the circuit court record. Once corrected, notify the Division of Vital Records and request they update their information.
If the error was made by the Division of Vital Records in transcribing court information, contact them directly to request a correction.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Divorce records contain sensitive personal information, so protecting this information is important.
Protecting Your Information
- Store certified copies in a secure location
- Make photocopies for situations not requiring certified copies
- Be cautious about who you provide divorce documentation to
- Verify the legitimacy of any organization requesting your divorce records
- Consider identity theft protection if your divorce records are compromised
Reporting Misuse
If you believe someone has improperly accessed or used your divorce records, report this to the circuit court or the Division of Vital Records. You may also want to contact law enforcement if you suspect identity theft or fraud.
Before You File a Divorce in Maryland
Obtaining your Maryland divorce certificate or decree is a straightforward process once you understand the different types of documents available and where to request them. For divorces finalized on or after January 1, 1992, you can get a verification of divorce from the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records. For complete divorce decrees regardless of date, contact the circuit court in the county where your divorce was granted.
Whether you need divorce documentation for remarriage, name changes, financial transactions, or other legal purposes, Maryland provides multiple convenient methods for accessing these important records. By understanding the distinction between divorce decrees and verifications, knowing which document you need, and following the proper procedures for requesting copies, you can efficiently obtain the divorce records you need.
Remember that divorce records are legal documents that should be stored safely and used appropriately. If you have questions about obtaining your divorce records or encounter difficulties in the process, contact the circuit court clerk's office or the Division of Vital Records for assistance. For complex legal questions about your divorce decree, consult with a family law attorney who can provide guidance specific to your situation.