MARYLAND DIVORCE PAPERS WITH EXPLANATIONS

The documents listed below are the primary documents for a Maryland uncontested divorce. You will notice that some of the documents apply with children. If you do not have minor children, these documents are typically not required.

Understanding the Maryland Divorce Papers:

• Civil - Domestic Case Information Report: DCIR. Both parties complete a Civil-Domestic Case Information Report. The plaintiff also gives the defendant a blank form to complete and return. The Civil-Domestic Information Report describes the nature of the case.
• Complaint for Absolute Divorce (dom rel 20): Most couples seek an absolute divorce rather than a limited divorce, which is a legal separation. The Complaint identifies the parties, the children, the grounds and the relief requested. When the Complaint is filed, the Clerk of Court issues the plaintiff a Summons to Serve Process on the defendant.
• Certificate of Service (for Complaint) (dom rel 58): This affidavit, signed by one party, certifies that he or she mailed the divorce papers to the opposing party.
• Affidavit of Service (for Complaint) (dom rel 56): With this affidavit, the person serving process certifies that he or she delivered the divorce papers to the defendant.
• Marital Settlement Agreement: This notarized agreement entered into between a husband and a wife establishes the terms and conditions of their divorce and resolving such matters as property division, debts, child custody, child support, visitation, debt, alimony, insurance, tax, and settlement of any property issues when they end their marriage to each other.
• Schedule for Visitation/Parenting Time of Minor Children: This schedule shows the visitation and parenting time routine for the noncustodial parent. It will address weekend overnights and holidays.
• Joint Statement of Parties Concerning Marital and Non-Marital Property: DR33. The Joint Statement of Parties, which must be filed by both parties, lists both marital and nonmarital property, how the property is titled, and each spouse's assertion of fair market value as well as liens, encumbrances and debts against the property.
• Child Support Worksheet (Sole Custody) (dom rel 34): This is the worksheet used to compute child support, according to the state guidelines, when one parent has primary physical custody.
• Child Support Worksheet (Shared Custody) (dom rel 35): This is the worksheet used to compute child support, according to the state guidelines, when both parents share physical custody.
• Child Support Schedule: The schedule reflects what both parents must pay in child support and is referenced within the child support worksheet(s).
• Declaration Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act: This declaration certifies that the parties comply with the UCCJEA and establishes jurisdictions by the place of residence of minor children involved in the action.
• Financial Statement (Plaintiff) (dom rel 31): The plaintiff must complete a Financial Statement. A party contesting the action, or one seeking alimony or child support must use the long form.
• Financial Statement (Defendant) (dom rel 31): The defendant must complete a Financial Statement, either short or long form. A party contesting the action, or one seeking alimony or child support must use the long form.
• Answer to Complaint (dom rel 50): When the defendant wishes to contest the action, he or she files an Answer to Complaint/Petition/Motion. In this he or she agrees or disagrees in part or in whole with the allegations in the Complaint, the defendant files this, together with his or her Civil-Domestic Case Report, with the Court Clerk. The Answer is often filed in preparation for a contested divorce.
• Request for Hearing (dom rel 59): This form is used when the plaintiff requests a hearing to move the divorce toward conclusion.
• Judgment of Absolute Divorce: This court order that ends the marriage.