Before filing, it is very important to understand specific local rules, such as Maryland’s required residency times and the set legal reasons for absolute divorce. This step-by-step guide is designed to simplify these various issues that may come up, ensuring you have the needed information to move forward with your filing smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Divorce proceedings in Prince George’s County start with filing a Complaint for Divorce in the Circuit Court.
- Petitioners must meet residency requirements and establish legal grounds such as mutual consent or a six-month separation as per the Maryland Code, Family Law Article.
- The non-filing spouse must be formally served process.
- If all requirements are met during hearings, the court issues a Final Decree of Divorce to legally terminate the marriage.
Steps for Filing for Divorce in Prince-george’s County
The following steps outline the usual process of filing for divorce in Prince George’s County, Maryland. You’re probably expecting this: use this checklist to make sure you meet every need. On the other hand, following these rules will help simplify your divorce actions in the county.
1. Figuring out which court handles your case (Deciding Court: Circuit vs. District)
In Prince George’s County, you need to first decide if your case belongs in the District Court or the Circuit Court based on the type of case and the amount of money involved. Generally, the District Court deals with small claims (cases involving $5,000 or less) and landlord-tenant fights, while the Circuit Court deals with more complicated civil cases (claims exceeding $30,000), family law issues, and jury trials.
2. Getting your paperwork and forms ready (Getting Documents Ready)
Before filing, you must make sure all needed Maryland court forms (such as the Civil Non-Domestic Case Information Report or Form CC-DCM-002) are correctly filled out and organized. You can find these forms on the Maryland Courts website or at the courthouse help centers in Upper Marlboro. It is must-have to double-check that all documents are signed and that you have the right number of copies (typically the original plus two copies) for the court and everyone involved.
3. Knowing the costs and how to pay (Filing Fees and Payment Options)
Filing a case needs paying a filing fee, which changes depending on the court and what the legal action is about (for example, the District Court civil filing fee is $34, while the Circuit Court fee is $165). The Prince George’s County courthouse accepts different payment options, including cash, checks, and credit cards for in-person filings. If you can’t afford the fees, you may ask for a fee waiver (Form CC-DC-089) based on your financial situation.
4. Using the online system to submit your papers (Using the MDEC System)
The Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system is the required portal for attorneys and an optional tool for self-represented individuals to file documents online. By using MDEC (which became mandatory for attorneys in Prince George’s County in 2020), you can send your paperwork from home, pay fees online, and get instant confirmation of your filing. This system makes the process easier and ensures that your documents are immediately added to the court’s official record.
5. How to hand in papers at the courthouse in person (In-Person Filing at Upper Marlboro)
If you are filing in person, you must visit the Clerk’s Office at the courthouse complex in Upper Marlboro (located at 14735 Main Street) during regular business hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday). You will give your original documents to the clerk, who will time-stamp them and handle your payment. It’s a good idea to bring extra copies so the clerk can stamp a file-kept copy for your personal records.
6. Making sure the other person is officially notified (Handling Service of Process)
Once your case is filed, you are legally required to give the other party official notice through the service of process. In Maryland, this is usually handled by the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office (for a $60 fee per defendant), a private process server, or via certified mail with restricted delivery. You must then file proof of service with the court to show that the other party was properly notified (pursuant to Maryland Rule 2-121).
7. Checking your case updates online (Following Status via Maryland CaseSearch)
After your case is active, you can watch its progress through the Maryland CaseSearch online database. By searching for your name or case number, you can see upcoming hearing dates, judge assignments, and any new filings or orders given by the court (data is typically updated within 24 hours of a court action). This tool is the simplest way to stay informed about the status of your case in Prince George’s County.
Finding Your Way to Courthouse Locations & Contacts
To start a divorce in Prince George’s County, Maryland, you should file a complaint for divorce with the Family Division of the Circuit Court located in Upper Marlboro. The court clerk, who is responsible for managing court documents and assisting with procedural information, will guide you in ensuring your paperwork is complete and filed correctly.
14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
(301) 952-3655
The Family Division handles cases related to divorce, custody, and other domestic matters.
What Are Your Options for Filing?
Compare the 5 most common ways to finalize your divorce.
1. Online Divorce Service
DivorceCanBeSimple.com is the fastest and most affordable path. Our system generates 100% accurate, court-ready forms in minutes. Ideal for avoiding high legal fees.
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2. Full Legal Counsel
Best for high-conflict cases. Involves expensive retainers and longer timelines as lawyers negotiate for you.
3. Professional Mediation
A neutral mediator helps you reach an agreement. Good if you need help communicating outside of court.
4. Collaborative Divorce
Spouses sign a contract to settle without trial. More civilized than court but still involves legal costs.
5. DIY Manual Filing
You research and file all forms yourself. High risk of document rejection if technical details are missed.
Understanding Prince George’s County’s Local Class and Mediation Requirements
- 📍 Residency: Must live in Prince George’s County.
- ⏳ Waiting Period: Specific time frame required.
- 👨👩👧👦 Parenting Classes: Completion may be necessary.
- 💰 Financials: Submit required financial documents.
- 📄 File: Proper filing of necessary forms.
If you’re thinking about getting a divorce in Prince George’s County, Maryland, listen up. There are some residency rules you need to know. Either you or your spouse must have lived in Maryland for at least six months before you can file, especially if the reason for the divorce happened outside the state. Makes sense, right? You’ll need to file your divorce petition in the circuit court where either one of you lives. Next up, think about which type of divorce suits your situation: limited or absolute. The first is like a legal break, while the absolute one ends things for good. As you’re filing, get your documents in order. A Financial Statement is a must. And if kids are in the picture, you’ll need a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet too.
Got kids? Then you both might have to attend mandatory classes, like a Parenting Education Seminar. Yeah, it doesn’t sound like fun, but it’s about understanding how the divorce can affect your kids and making co-parenting easier. Now, here’s something to keep in mind: before heading to trial, the court might want you to try mediation, especially for issues around the kids like custody and visitation. They’re big fans of mediation because it helps keep things friendly-ish and can save you time and money. That’s what we all want, right?
What Forms Are Required for Divorce in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-020): Starts the process for a permanent breakup of marriage, covering issues like dividing property and who gets custody of children. (Used when ending the marriage for good with unresolved issues.)
- Complaint for Limited Divorce (CC-DR-021): Asks for a legal separation without ending the marriage, settling issues such as spousal support and child care. (Used when separation is wanted without finishing divorce.)
- Answer (CC-DR-050): Replies to the initial divorce complaint, showing if you agree or disagree with claims made by the spouse who filed. (Used by the spouse who didn’t file to respond to the divorce request.)
- Financial Statement (CC-DR-030 / CC-DR-031): Gives detailed money information to make sure assets are divided fairly and support is decided. (Used to share financial info in contested cases or when young children are involved.)
- Joint Statement of Marital and Non-Marital Property (CC-DR-033): Lists what you own and owe, showing what can be divided. (Used in contested cases to clear up who gets what.)
- Settlement Agreement (CC-DR-116): Records agreed terms on divorce topics like custody and dividing assets. (Used when both sides agree on terms, possibly making the divorce process easier.)
Common Questions
What is the new law for divorce in Maryland?
Maryland’s new law simplifies the divorce process by removing the requirement to prove specific grounds, such as adultery or desertion. Now, couples can proceed with a divorce without having to provide a reason, making it much more straightforward.
What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Maryland?
The fastest way to get a divorce in Maryland is through a mutual consent divorce, where both spouses agree on all terms like property distribution and custody issues. Just ensure you’ve got a complete settlement agreement down and file the necessary paperwork to skip the typical waiting periods.
What is the first step when you decide to divorce?
The first step when deciding to divorce is to have an honest conversation with your spouse about your feelings and the decision. After that, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a lawyer to understand the legal implications and process.
Can you get divorced in Maryland without going to court?
In Maryland, getting divorced without going to court is possible if you and your spouse agree on everything and use mediation or a settlement agreement. However, a judge still needs to sign off on the terms to finalize the divorce.
Chris Aleman is a legal forms specialist who’s spent years mastering the “courtroom maze” so regular people don’t have to. He’s the go-to guy for divorce guides because he knows exactly what clerks look for and how to make the process actually make sense. When he’s not simplifying paperwork, Chris is usually out hiking or catching a game with friends.