How to File for Divorce on Your Own in Anne, Maryland
Couples must be separated at the time of filing for a divorce in Anne, Maryland. Since there is no legal separation in Maryland, this simply means that the couple is no longer living together and there is no sexual intercourse during the separation. You can file for a divorce on your own but it is best to obtain the services of a lawyer for complicated cases, such as a contested divorce or if there is considerable property.
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Instructions
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Meet the requirements to file for a divorce in Anne, Maryland. Residents of the state may file in Anne if either party resides there. If the breakdown in the marriage occurred outside Maryland, the plaintiff must live in Anne, Maryland at least one year before filing.
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File for divorce on appropriate grounds. Grounds for divorce in Maryland include desertion, adultery, voluntary separation, a conviction for a felony or a misdemeanor, insanity, cruelty or excessive vicious conduct towards the plaintiff or a minor child.
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File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce (DOM REL 20). You may also need to include a Joint Statement of Parties Concerning Marital and Non-marital Property (DOM REL 33) and a Financial Statement for Alimony or Child Support (DOM REL 31), if these issues apply. File the documents with the Office of the Clerk of the County Circuit Court in Anne, Maryland.
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Serve the defendant. The defendant must receive a copy of all the documents you have filed as well as a Writ of Summons from the Civil Clerk of the Court. The defendant has 30, 60 or 90 days to respond if he resides in Maryland, a different state or a different country respectively. If he does not respond, you may file a Request for Order of Default (DOM REL 54) so the judge can enter a judgment in your favor.
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File a Request for Hearing or Proceeding after you have received an Answer from the defendant or an Order of Default. The court will set a date. Complete a Joint Statement of Parties Concerning Marital and Non-marital Property (DOM REL 33) if there is property involved. Also complete a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet if there are minor children involved (see Resources below). This is available through the Clerk of the Court in Anne, Maryland.
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Attend the hearing. You must have a witness to testify on your behalf. The judge will enter a judgment at the end of the hearing.
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