If I have to go to Court, where can I file for divorce?
To file for divorce in Maryland one party must be a resident in Maryland. To prove this for purposes of a divorce, you must be physically living in Maryland. How long you must have lived in Maryland before filing a divorce complaint will depend on where the grounds for divorce occurred. If the grounds for divorce occurred in Maryland, you need only be currently living in Maryland at the time you file for divorce. Where the grounds for divorce occurred outside Maryland, you or your spouse must have lived in Maryland for at least six months before filing your divorce complaint.
If I have to go to Court, where can I file for financial support?
If the parties are residents of Maryland, the person seeking financial support (called the Plaintiff) may file for child support or alimony in the county where the intended payor of support (called the Defendant) resides, carries on business, is employed or habitually engages in business.
Additionally, in a divorce matter, the person seeking financial support may request support in the county where the requesting party resides or, in a custody action, the requesting party may file for support in the county where either parent or child resides.
If the intended payor is not a Maryland resident, the requesting party may seek support in Maryland if:
- The Defendant is personally served with suit papers;
- The Plaintiff resides in Maryland when the suit is filed; and
- Maryland was either the matrimonial domicile of the parties immediately before their separation or the obligation to pay support arose under the laws of Maryland or under an Agreement executed by one of the parties in Maryland.
Have any questions about this topic, please call me (240)617-0405.
