Divorce Records in Maryland
Whether divorce records are public in Maryland and how to get a copy of a divorce decree or certificate.
Short answer: Most court records, including divorce case files, can be viewed by anyone at the clerk's office of the courthouse where the case was heard, and copies can be requested for a fee. Maryland Judiciary, Access to Court Records; Maryland Department of Health, Divorce Verification
| Divorce records | Most court records, including divorce case files, can be viewed by anyone at the clerk's office of the courthouse where the case was heard, and copies can be requested for a fee. Financial statements filed in spousal or child support cases are not open to the public without a court order. A copy of the actual divorce decree can be obtained only from the circuit court that granted it. The Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, issues a Verification of Divorce (names, county, date and type of action) for divorces and annulments on or after January 1, 1992, to either spouse, a spouse's authorized representative, or a spouse's attorney; it can be ordered online through VitalChek or by mail. Vital Records page: https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/divorce.aspx |
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Where to get help in Maryland
More Maryland divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Maryland
- Adopting a Child in Maryland
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Maryland
- Establishing Paternity in Maryland
- Changing Your Name in Maryland
- Child Custody Laws in Maryland
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Maryland
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Maryland
- How to File for Divorce in Maryland
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Maryland
- All Maryland divorce & family law rules
FAQ
Are divorce records public in Maryland, and how do I get a copy?
Most court records, including divorce case files, can be viewed by anyone at the clerk's office of the courthouse where the case was heard, and copies can be requested for a fee. Financial statements filed in spousal or child support cases are not open to the public without a court order. A copy of the actual divorce decree can be obtained only from the circuit court that granted it. The Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, issues a Verification of Divorce (names, county, date and type of action) for divorces and annulments on or after January 1, 1992, to either spouse, a spouse's authorized representative, or a spouse's attorney; it can be ordered online through VitalChek or by mail.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.