The Maryland Complaint for Absolute Divorce (Form CC-DR-020) is the document you file with a Maryland Circuit Court to legally and permanently end your marriage. It is the form a self-represented spouse uses to open a divorce case, tell the court why you qualify for divorce, and ask the judge for things like custody, child support, alimony, property division, and a return to a former name.
Filling it out feels scary because one wrong box can stall your case for weeks or get your papers rejected by the clerk. Maryland courts handle tens of thousands of divorce filings each year, and family law self-help centers report that incomplete or incorrect paperwork is one of the top reasons cases get delayed. This guide walks you through the current CC-DR-020 form, revised 08/2024, line by line, so you can file with confidence.
Here is what you will learn:
- 📝 How to complete every paragraph of Form CC-DR-020, from the case caption to the final affidavit.
- 📑 Which extra forms and documents you must attach so the clerk accepts your filing.
- 💵 The exact $165 filing fee, how to pay it, and how to ask for a fee waiver if money is tight.
- 👨👩👧 How to fill out the tricky custody, residency-history, and child support sections without mistakes.
- ❓ Answers to the most common field-level questions that trip up self-represented filers.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form CC-DR-020 is the official complaint that starts an absolute divorce case in a Maryland Circuit Court. An “absolute divorce” is a full, permanent end to your marriage, which lets you remarry, divide property, and settle custody. It is different from the old “limited divorce,” which Maryland eliminated on October 1, 2023. The form is filed by the spouse who wants the divorce, called the plaintiff, against the other spouse, called the defendant.
You file this form with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the county where you or your spouse lives or works. The Circuit Court is the trial court that hears all divorce cases in Maryland, since the District Court does not handle family law. The legal authority for divorce comes from the Maryland Family Law Article, Title 7, which sets out the grounds and residency rules you must meet.
You should use this form if all three of these are true: at least one ground for divorce in Paragraph 15 applies to you, you want the court to fully end your marriage, and you are not hiring a lawyer to file for you. The instructions warn that you probably do want a lawyer if your marriage lasted ten or more years, you want alimony, your spouse has a lawyer, the case is contested, or you cannot locate your spouse. Even mutually consenting couples with a house or retirement account should talk to an attorney before signing anything.
Maryland now recognizes only three no-fault grounds for divorce: mutual consent, six-month separation, and irreconcilable differences. Fault grounds like adultery, cruelty, and desertion were removed from the law in 2023. This means you no longer blame your spouse to get divorced; you simply state which no-fault ground fits your situation. Choosing the wrong ground, or one that has not yet “accrued,” is a common reason judges deny a divorce at the hearing.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather everything below before you open the form. Missing one item can force you to refile, delay your hearing, or get your complaint bounced by the clerk. Maryland’s People’s Law Library recommends collecting these in advance to avoid filing errors.
- Your exact marriage date and place. You need the month, day, and year you married, plus the city, county, and state. Without it, Paragraph 1 is incomplete and the clerk may reject the filing.
- Proof of Maryland residency. Know when you or your spouse began living in Maryland, since some grounds require six months of residency. Missing dates can defeat the court’s power to hear your case.
- Your spouse’s current address. You need a valid address to serve your spouse with papers. Without it, your case cannot move forward after filing.
- Children’s full names and birthdates. Every minor child you share must be listed. Leaving a child off can delay custody and support orders.
- A five-year address history for each child. Paragraphs 8 and 9 require where each child has lived and with whom. Gaps here trigger questions under custody jurisdiction rules.
- Income and financial details. You need income figures to complete a financial statement if you request child support or alimony. Without it, the court cannot calculate support.
- A signed settlement agreement (if using mutual consent). This must be attached to the complaint. No agreement means no divorce on this ground.
- Prior or pending case numbers. List any other custody, support, or domestic violence cases. Hiding these can cause conflicting orders and credibility problems.
- Your filing fee or fee-waiver paperwork. Have $165 ready, or complete the waiver request. Without payment or a waiver, the clerk will not open your case.
Having these in hand turns the form from a guessing game into a simple fill-in exercise. Take time to confirm dates and spellings against official records like your marriage certificate. Janet, filing after a 22-year marriage, saved a week by pulling her marriage certificate before she started, so her dates matched the court record on the first try.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
You can get Form CC-DR-020 four ways, and all of them are free. The fastest is to download the official CC-DR-020 PDF directly from the Maryland Courts website, where it sits on the family law court forms page alongside its instructions. Always confirm the revision date reads 08/2024 so you have the current version, since clerks may reject outdated forms.
A second option is the court’s free Guide & File interview tool, which asks you plain-language questions and fills the form out for you, then lets you e-file it. You can launch it from the Maryland Courts divorce page. This tool is helpful if you worry about formatting or missing a paragraph, because it skips sections that do not apply to you.
A third option is to visit a Family Law Self-Help Center or call the Maryland Family Law Hotline at 1-800-845-8550 for free help completing the form. A fourth option is to ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county for a paper copy. Clerks cannot give legal advice, but they can hand you the blank form and tell you what fees and copies they require.
Before you write anything, also read the official instructions for CC-DR-020, which explain each paragraph and list every attachment. Reading the instructions first prevents the most common mistake: filling out paragraphs that do not apply to your situation. Keep both the form and the instructions open side by side as you work.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form CC-DR-020 Line by Line
Work through the form in order, top to bottom. Each paragraph below matches a numbered section on the official form. Use black ink or type your answers, write dates as MM/DD/YYYY, and leave blank only the paragraphs the form tells you to skip.
Case Caption: Names, Addresses, and Court
The caption is the box at the very top of the form that names the court, the plaintiff, and the defendant. You write the county Circuit Court, then your full name and address as plaintiff, then your spouse’s full name and address as defendant. The clerk assigns the case number, so leave that line blank.
To answer it, print your complete legal name on the first line, then list an address where the other side can mail or serve you papers. Maria Lopez writes her name as Maria Elena Lopez and lists her home address in Rockville. She lists her husband Carlos Lopez as defendant with his current address.
A common nuance is safety. If you fear for your safety or have a domestic violence concern, do not write your address here; instead, contact the clerk about keeping your contact information confidential. A common mistake is using a nickname instead of your legal name, which can make your final divorce decree mismatch your other records. A misconception is that you must list your spouse’s lawyer here; you list the spouse’s home address, not their attorney, unless told otherwise.
Paragraph 1: Date and Place of Marriage
This paragraph asks when and where you got married and what kind of ceremony you had. You enter the month, day, and year of the wedding, the city or county and state where it happened, and whether the ceremony was civil or religious.
To answer it, write the date as 06/14/2008, fill in Baltimore City, Maryland, and check the box for religious if a clergy member married you. Carlos checks “religious” because a priest performed his wedding. Match these facts to your marriage certificate so nothing conflicts.
A nuance is an out-of-state or overseas wedding; you still list the real place even if it was another state or country. A common mistake is guessing the date, which can contradict your certificate and raise doubts about your testimony. A misconception is that the ceremony type changes your rights; it does not, the box is only for the court’s record.
Paragraph 2: Maryland Residency
This paragraph confirms that you meet Maryland’s residency rule so the court has power to hear your case. You check the statement that matches your situation and fill in the month and year your Maryland residence began.
To answer it, check the box that says you or your spouse currently lives in Maryland, then write 03/2019 for the date residency began. Maria checks the box stating she has lived in Maryland since before filing. If your grounds happened outside Maryland, you generally need six months of residency before filing.
A nuance applies to military members, who may keep Maryland residency even while stationed elsewhere. A common mistake is checking the wrong residency box, which can let your spouse challenge the court’s jurisdiction and dismiss your case. A misconception is that you must own a home to be a resident; renting or even living with family counts as residency.
Paragraph 3: Where the Grounds Occurred
This paragraph asks where the events that created your ground for divorce took place. You check all boxes that apply about whether the grounds happened inside or outside Maryland.
To answer it, check “in Maryland” if your separation or breakdown happened while you lived in the state. David, separated in Frederick, checks the Maryland box. You may check more than one box if facts span two states.
A nuance is that grounds occurring outside Maryland tie back to the six-month residency rule in Paragraph 2. A common mistake is leaving this blank, which can make the court question whether it has authority over your divorce. A misconception is that this box decides where you file; you file based on residency, not on where the grounds happened.
Paragraph 4: Children of the Marriage
This paragraph asks whether you and your spouse have children together. You check one box that fits your case, and if you have children, you list each child’s full name and date of birth.
To answer it, if you have no children together, check that box and skip ahead to Paragraph 12. If you do, write each child like Sofia Lopez, 04/02/2014. Maria and Carlos list their two children with full names and birthdates.
A nuance is children from a prior relationship; only children you share as a couple go here. A common mistake is listing adult children, which clutters the form, since only minor or dependent children matter for custody and support. A misconception is that stepchildren belong here; they do not unless legally adopted.
Paragraph 5: Other Court Cases Involving the Children
This paragraph asks about any other court cases, in any state, involving your children. You list the court name, case number, type of case, year filed, and the result or current status.
To answer it, write each case fully, such as Montgomery County Circuit Court, Case 12345, custody, 2022, closed. Include any domestic violence case that involves a child. Janet lists a prior protective order case here.
A nuance is out-of-state cases, which still must be listed under custody jurisdiction rules. A common mistake is hiding a prior case, which can create conflicting orders and damage your credibility with the judge. A misconception is that only Maryland cases count; cases from any state or court must be disclosed.
Paragraph 6: Custody, Guardianship, or Visitation Cases
This paragraph asks about cases where you were a party or witness involving custody, guardianship, or visitation of the children. You list the state, court name, case number, and the date of any custody or guardianship decision, and attach the most recent order.
To answer it, list each case and staple a copy of the latest order. David attaches a copy of a prior visitation order from a 2021 case. Always include the order, not just the case number.
A nuance is guardianship cases involving relatives, which still belong here. A common mistake is failing to attach the order, which forces the court to pause and request it. A misconception is that closed cases can be skipped; even resolved cases must be listed if they decided child access.
Paragraph 7: Non-Party People With Custody Claims
This paragraph asks about people who are not the plaintiff or defendant but who have or may claim custody or visitation of the children. You fill in their complete names and addresses.
To answer it, list someone like a grandparent who has physical custody, with full name and address. Janet lists her mother, who has cared for the children. If no one applies, leave it blank.
A nuance is a relative caring for a child temporarily, who may still need to be listed. A common mistake is omitting a caregiver, which can mean the court fails to notify someone with real custody rights. A misconception is that only legal guardians count; anyone with physical custody or a custody claim belongs here.
Paragraph 8: Where the Children Live Now
This paragraph asks where your children currently live and who they live with. You fill in the complete present address and the names of the people in the home.
To answer it, write the child’s full current address and list yourself or whoever they live with, such as Maria Lopez, mother. Maria lists her Rockville address and her name. Keep this current as of your filing date.
A nuance applies to safety concerns; if disclosing the address endangers a child, ask the clerk about confidentiality. A common mistake is listing an old address, which conflicts with the residency history in Paragraph 9. A misconception is that you list both parents’ homes; you list where the child actually lives now.
Paragraph 9: Children’s Five-Year Address History
This paragraph asks whether the children have lived in Maryland for six months and where they have lived for the past five years. You check the right box and fill in dates, places, and the names and addresses of everyone the children lived with.
To answer it, list each home in order, like 01/2019–present, Rockville, MD, with Maria Lopez. Carlos and Maria trace five years of addresses for their two children. Cover the full five years with no gaps.
A nuance is frequent moves; list every home even if a stay was short. A common mistake is leaving gaps, which raises questions under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act about which state should decide custody. A misconception is that only the current address matters; the court needs the full history to confirm Maryland can rule on custody.
Paragraph 10: Custody and Visitation Requests
This paragraph asks what legal and physical custody and visitation you want the court to order. You check the statements that match what you are asking for.
To answer it, check boxes for sole or joint legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time you want. Maria checks joint legal custody and primary physical custody with visitation for Carlos. Be specific about what you request.
A nuance is shared physical custody, which can change how child support is calculated later. A common mistake is checking nothing, which can mean the court does not address custody at all. A misconception is that legal and physical custody are the same; legal custody is decision-making, while physical custody is where the child lives.
Paragraph 11: Child Support and Health Insurance
This paragraph asks about child support and health insurance for the children. You check the statement that applies and list any existing child support case number.
To answer it, check that you are asking the court to set child support and to order health coverage. If support is your only financial issue, you must file Form CC-DR-030, the short financial statement. David checks the box for support and attaches CC-DR-030.
A nuance is that if you have property or alimony issues too, you file the long form CC-DR-031 instead. A common mistake is requesting support without attaching a financial statement, which means the court cannot calculate an amount. A misconception is that child support is optional to request; if you skip it now, getting it later is harder.
Paragraph 12: Alimony
This paragraph asks whether you want alimony and why. You check the statement that fits and write a brief explanation.
To answer it, check that you request alimony and explain in a sentence, such as I left the workforce to raise our children. If you request alimony, you must file Form CC-DR-031, the general financial statement. Janet checks the alimony box after her long marriage.
A nuance is waiving alimony, which is permanent. A common mistake is requesting alimony without filing CC-DR-031, which stalls the request. A misconception is that you can ask for alimony after the divorce is final; once an absolute divorce is granted, a future alimony claim usually cannot be made.
Paragraph 13: Marital Property and Debt
This paragraph asks how you want the court to handle marital property and debt. You check the statement that matches your case.
To answer it, check whether you want the court to divide property, grant a monetary award, or note that you have an agreement. Carlos checks that the parties have a written agreement dividing property. Be clear about what you ask for.
A nuance is that if you and your spouse have no agreement and do not request property division at the final hearing, the court may be barred from dividing property later. A common mistake is skipping this box, which can leave assets undivided forever. A misconception is that property is split 50/50 automatically; Maryland uses equitable distribution, not an automatic even split.
Paragraph 14: Restoring a Former Name
This paragraph asks whether you want to return to a name you used before this marriage. You fill in the complete former name you want back.
To answer it, write the exact prior name, such as Maria Elena Reyes. Maria requests her maiden name. You may do this as long as it is not to defraud creditors or hide from them.
A nuance is timing; if you do not request it now, you can still ask within 18 months after the divorce decree. A common mistake is misspelling the former name, which creates record problems. A misconception is that a name change requires a separate court case; here it is granted as part of the divorce.
Paragraph 15: Grounds for Divorce
This paragraph is the heart of the form, where you state why you qualify for divorce. You read each ground and check every one that applies, and you may check more than one.
To answer it, check mutual consent, six-month separation, or irreconcilable differences, whichever fits. David checks six-month separation and lists the date he and his wife began living apart. The ground must have already accrued before you file.
A nuance is that a separation ground requires a full six months apart before filing, even if you live in the same home pursuing separate lives. A common mistake is checking a separation ground too early, which lets the judge deny the divorce at the hearing. A misconception is that you must prove fault like adultery; Maryland is now a no-fault state, so fault grounds no longer exist.
Affidavit and the “For These Reasons” Requests
The final part of the form has two pieces: a list of requests for relief and a sworn affidavit. You check off every request you want the court to grant, then sign and date the affidavit swearing your statements are true.
To answer it, check each request that matches your paragraphs, such as custody, support, alimony, property division, and name change, then sign before the clerk or notary if required. Janet checks alimony, property division, and her former name. Your signature makes your statements sworn testimony.
A nuance is that checking a request you did not support in the paragraphs above can confuse the court. A common mistake is forgetting to sign, which makes the entire complaint invalid. A misconception is that the affidavit is a formality; signing a false statement is perjury, a serious crime.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three common fact patterns showing what each filer enters on the key sections of Form CC-DR-020.
Scenario 1: Maria and Carlos, Mutual Consent With Children
Maria and Carlos have two minor children and a signed settlement agreement covering custody, support, and property.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | Maria Elena Lopez, plaintiff; Carlos Lopez, defendant; Montgomery County Circuit Court |
| Paragraph 1 | 06/14/2008, Baltimore City, Maryland, religious ceremony |
| Paragraph 2 | Maryland resident since 03/2019 |
| Paragraph 4 | Two children: Sofia Lopez, 04/02/2014; Mateo Lopez, 09/10/2016 |
| Paragraph 10 | Joint legal custody, primary physical custody to Maria |
| Paragraph 11 | Requests child support; attaches Form CC-DR-030 |
| Paragraph 13 | Parties have a signed written agreement on property |
| Paragraph 15 | Checks mutual consent; attaches signed agreement and child support worksheet |
| Affidavit | Signed and dated 06/04/2026 |
Scenario 2: David, Six-Month Separation, No Children
David has a short marriage, no children, and has lived apart from his spouse for over six months.
| Form Section | What David Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | David Nguyen, plaintiff; Lisa Nguyen, defendant; Frederick County Circuit Court |
| Paragraph 1 | 09/20/2022, Frederick, Maryland, civil ceremony |
| Paragraph 2 | Maryland resident since 01/2020 |
| Paragraph 3 | Grounds occurred in Maryland |
| Paragraph 4 | Checks “no children together,” skips to Paragraph 12 |
| Paragraph 12 | Does not request alimony |
| Paragraph 13 | Requests court to divide limited marital property |
| Paragraph 14 | No former name requested |
| Paragraph 15 | Checks six-month separation, lists separation date 10/15/2025 |
Scenario 3: Sergeant Aisha Bell, Military Spouse, Irreconcilable Differences
Aisha is an active-duty service member stationed out of state who keeps Maryland residency and has one child.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | Aisha Bell, plaintiff; Marcus Bell, defendant; Anne Arundel County Circuit Court |
| Paragraph 1 | 05/30/2015, Annapolis, Maryland, civil ceremony |
| Paragraph 2 | Maryland resident (military) since 2012 |
| Paragraph 4 | One child: Jordan Bell, 11/22/2017 |
| Paragraph 9 | Five-year address history for Jordan, noting moves with a duty station |
| Paragraph 10 | Requests joint legal custody, parenting time schedule |
| Paragraph 11 | Requests child support; attaches Form CC-DR-031 |
| Paragraph 12 | Requests alimony, explains career interruption |
| Paragraph 15 | Checks irreconcilable differences, gives brief reason marriage cannot be repaired |
How to File the Completed Form
Once your form is complete and signed, you file it with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the correct county, along with your attachments and fee. Maryland offers several filing channels, and the right one depends on whether you e-file or use paper.
- Online (MDEC e-filing / Guide & File): Most Maryland counties require electronic filing through the MDEC system, and self-represented filers can use the free Guide & File tool to prepare and submit. The fee is $165, paid by credit card or e-check. Processing usually takes a few business days, and your proof of filing is the electronic confirmation you keep.
- In person: Bring your signed forms and at least two copies to the clerk’s counter. The fee is $165, and some clerks accept cash, money order, or card but not personal checks. The clerk stamps your copies on the spot, and you keep a stamped copy as proof of filing.
- By mail: Mail your forms, copies, and a money order for $165 to the Circuit Court clerk for your county. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return a stamped copy. Processing takes longer, often a week or more, and your proof is the returned stamped copy.
The $165 fee covers the filing, a legal services surcharge, and a records fund. If you cannot afford it, file Form CC-DR-089, the Request for Waiver of Prepaid Costs, with proof of your income. Make at least two copies of everything before you file: one for serving your spouse and one for your records, and write the case number on each copy after the clerk assigns it.
What Happens After You File
Filing the complaint opens your case, but it does not end your marriage. The clerk issues a Writ of Summons, and you must arrange for your spouse to be served with the summons and a full copy of your filed papers. Proof of service must go back to the clerk before the case can move forward, as the court’s instructions explain.
Your spouse then has time to file an Answer: 30 days if served in Maryland, 60 days if served in another state, and 90 days if served in another country. If your spouse files no Answer by the deadline, you can file Form CC-DR-054, a Request for Order of Default. The court schedules a hearing once an Answer or default is on record.
At the hearing, you testify and prove your ground for divorce, and your spouse may present their side. Even though Maryland no longer requires a corroborating witness, you must still prove your eligibility and ground. You are not divorced until a judge signs the Judgment of Absolute Divorce, which the clerk mails to you, often two to three weeks after a magistrate’s hearing if no exceptions are filed.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using an outdated form. Filing a version older than 08/2024 can get your complaint rejected by the clerk.
- Checking a separation ground too early. If you have not been apart a full six months, the judge can deny your divorce.
- Listing a nickname instead of your legal name. This makes your decree mismatch your other records.
- Leaving the residency box blank. This can let your spouse challenge the court’s power to hear the case.
- Forgetting to attach the settlement agreement. With mutual consent, no agreement means no divorce.
- Requesting support without a financial statement. The court cannot calculate an amount without CC-DR-030 or CC-DR-031.
- Gaps in the children’s five-year address history. Gaps raise custody jurisdiction questions and delay your case.
- Hiding a prior court case. Omitting cases can create conflicting orders and hurt your credibility.
- Skipping the property paragraph. Failing to request division can bar the court from dividing assets later.
- Forgetting to sign the affidavit. An unsigned complaint is invalid and will not be accepted.
- Not making copies before filing. You need copies for service and your records, or you must redo the work.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Do read the official instructions first, because they tell you which paragraphs to skip and what to attach.
- Do match every date to your records, since conflicting dates weaken your testimony.
- Do attach all required forms, because the clerk rejects incomplete filings.
- Do make at least two copies, so you can serve your spouse and keep proof.
- Do ask the clerk about confidentiality if you have safety concerns about your address.
- Do confirm the form revision date is 08/2024, so you use the current version.
Don’t:
- Don’t guess your grounds, because choosing one that has not accrued gets the divorce denied.
- Don’t leave required paragraphs blank, since missing answers stall your case.
- Don’t sign a false statement, as the affidavit is sworn and false statements are perjury.
- Don’t waive alimony carelessly, because you usually cannot claim it after the divorce.
- Don’t forget the filing fee or waiver, or the clerk will not open your case.
- Don’t list adult or stepchildren as children of the marriage, since only shared minor children belong there.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing Pro Se (On Your Own) | Filing With a Lawyer |
|---|---|
| Pro: Saves money, since you avoid attorney fees that can run thousands of dollars. | Pro: A lawyer catches errors that could delay or sink your case. |
| Pro: You control the pace and decisions in your own case. | Pro: Helpful when the case is contested or your spouse has counsel. |
| Pro: Free tools like Guide & File and self-help centers support you. | Pro: Valuable for long marriages, alimony, or major property like a home. |
| Pro: Works well for simple, uncontested cases with no children. | Pro: A lawyer can locate a missing spouse and arrange alternate service. |
| Con: One paperwork mistake can cause weeks of delay. | Con: Costs more, sometimes far more than the $165 filing fee. |
| Con: You must learn court rules and deadlines yourself. | Con: You give up some control over strategy and timing. |
| Con: Risky if assets, custody, or alimony are disputed. | Con: May be more than a simple, agreed divorce needs. |
Mutual Consent vs. Six-Month Separation
| Mutual Consent | Six-Month Separation |
|---|---|
| No waiting or separation period required. | Requires living apart for at least six months before filing. |
| Must attach a signed settlement agreement resolving all issues. | No settlement agreement required to file. |
| Often the fastest path, sometimes resolved in 30–60 days. | Takes longer, since the separation clock must run first. |
| Best when both spouses agree on everything. | Works when one spouse considers the marriage over. |
| You can be separated even while living in the same home. | You can be separated while in the same home if you live separate lives. |
FAQs
Can I file for divorce in Maryland without a lawyer?
Yes. Form CC-DR-020 is built for self-represented filers, and free tools like Guide & File and Family Law Self-Help Centers can help you complete and submit it correctly.
Do I have to live in Maryland to file?
Yes. You or your spouse must live in Maryland, and if your grounds happened out of state, you generally need six months of residency before filing.
Can I get divorced if my spouse won’t agree?
Yes. You can file on six-month separation or irreconcilable differences without your spouse’s consent, though you must still serve them and prove your ground.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the caption?
No. Use your current full legal name in the caption; you request a return to your maiden name separately in Paragraph 14.
In Paragraph 4, do I list children from a previous relationship?
No. List only children you and your spouse share, not children from prior relationships or stepchildren who were not adopted.
Should I check more than one ground in Paragraph 15?
Yes. You may check every ground that applies to your case, which can strengthen your filing if one ground is later questioned.
Do I have to fill out the custody paragraphs if I have no children?
No. If you check “no children together” in Paragraph 4, you skip ahead to Paragraph 12 and leave the child sections blank.
Must I attach a financial statement?
Yes. You must attach CC-DR-030 if you request child support, or CC-DR-031 if you request alimony or a property award.
Is fault like adultery still needed to get divorced?
No. Maryland removed fault grounds in 2023, so you only need one of three no-fault grounds to end your marriage.
Can I ask for alimony after the divorce is final?
No. Once an absolute divorce is granted, you usually cannot make a new alimony claim, so request it in Paragraph 12 if you want it.
Do I have to pay the $165 fee right away?
No. If you meet income limits, you can file Form CC-DR-089 to request a waiver of prepaid costs with proof of income.
Will I be divorced on the day of my hearing?
No. You are not legally divorced until a judge signs the Judgment of Absolute Divorce, which the clerk usually mails weeks later.
Do I need a witness to prove my divorce?
No. Maryland no longer requires a corroborating witness, though you must still prove your eligibility and ground at the hearing.
What if I fear for my safety and don’t want my address shown?
No. Do not write your address on the form; instead, contact the clerk about keeping your contact information confidential.
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