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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 recordsMost 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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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.