Baltimore County Divorce Records
What Are Baltimore County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Baltimore County are official legal documents maintained by the Circuit Court that document the dissolution of marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103, which establishes the grounds for absolute divorce in the state. Divorce records serve as the definitive legal documentation that a marriage has been legally terminated through court proceedings.
The Circuit Court for Baltimore County maintains these records as part of its official court functions. Divorce records typically consist of several document types:
- Divorce petitions or complaints
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree (also called judgment of absolute divorce)
These records serve multiple important purposes, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage
- Supporting legal name changes
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Verifying status for loan applications
- Establishing status for immigration matters
- Facilitating estate planning and inheritance matters
Under Maryland law, divorce records are maintained as part of the judicial record-keeping system and are subject to specific regulations regarding access and confidentiality.
Are Baltimore County Divorce Records Public?
Baltimore County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Generally, court case files related to divorce proceedings are considered public records under the Maryland Public Information Act, but with significant exceptions and limitations.
The basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is typically accessible to the public through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. However, pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-934, certain sensitive information within divorce files may be shielded from public view, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical and psychological records
- Child custody evaluations
- Income tax returns
- Information regarding victims of domestic violence
Certified divorce certificates, which verify the fact of divorce, have more restricted access. According to Maryland Code, Health-General § 4-217, these documents are available only to:
- The parties to the divorce
- Their authorized representatives
- Individuals with a demonstrated legitimate legal interest
- Persons with a court order authorizing access
The Maryland Judiciary has implemented a tiered access system that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns in family law matters, including divorces.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Baltimore County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Baltimore County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
To obtain divorce records, individuals may follow these steps:
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Gather necessary information before initiating a search, including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
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Submit a request to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County using the official Divorce Decree Request Form.
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Include the required fee payment:
- $5.50 for a plain copy
- $5.50 plus $1.00 per page for a certified copy
- Fees are payable by check or money order to "Clerk of the Circuit Court"
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Submit the request in person or by mail to:
Circuit Court for Baltimore County - Clerk's Office
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
For divorces finalized after January 1, 1992, verification can also be obtained through:
Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
6550 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-764-3038
Maryland Department of Health - Vital Records
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-902, requesters must provide proper identification when seeking court records, and certain records may require additional authorization for access.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Baltimore County Online?
Baltimore County residents and authorized individuals can access certain divorce record information through online platforms maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. The online search capabilities provide a convenient method for preliminary research, though comprehensive records typically require in-person or written requests.
The primary online resource is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system, which allows users to search for basic case information:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Accept the terms and conditions of use
- Enter search criteria:
- At minimum, provide the last name of one party
- For more precise results, include first name and middle initial
- Narrow results by selecting "Baltimore County" as the court location
- Select "Family" as the case type
- If known, enter the case number
This search will reveal basic case information including:
- Names of parties
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Case status
- Scheduled hearing dates
For more detailed case documents, the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system provides registered users with access to non-confidential court documents. However, as specified in Maryland Rule 20-109, access to family law case documents through MDEC is restricted to parties, their attorneys, and authorized court personnel.
The Maryland Judiciary Records Portal provides additional guidance on electronic access to court records, including divorce proceedings.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Baltimore County?
Baltimore County residents seeking no-cost access to divorce records have limited but viable options. Free access is primarily available through in-person inspection of non-confidential court records at public terminals.
The following methods provide free access to divorce record information:
- In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Circuit Court for Baltimore County during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Use public access terminals in the Clerk's Office
- Records must be viewed on-site and cannot be removed from the courthouse
- While inspection is free, printing fees may apply ($0.50 per page)
Circuit Court for Baltimore County - Clerk's Office
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
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Online basic case information:
- The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free access to basic case information
- Limited to case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status
- Does not include actual document content
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Law library resources:
- The Baltimore County Circuit Court Law Library provides free access to legal research tools
- Library staff can assist with locating case information, though cannot provide legal advice
- Public computers are available for conducting online searches
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-903, while inspection of non-confidential records is free, courts may charge reasonable fees for copies, certification, and special services.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Baltimore County
Divorce records in Baltimore County comprise comprehensive documentation of the entire legal process dissolving a marriage. These records contain multiple document types that collectively constitute the official record of divorce proceedings.
A complete divorce file typically includes:
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Initial Pleadings:
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce (filed by plaintiff)
- Summons issued to defendant
- Proof of Service documentation
- Answer to Complaint (defendant's response)
- Counter-Complaint (if applicable)
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Financial Documentation:
- Financial statements from both parties
- Property and asset inventories
- Debt schedules
- Income verification (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Pension and retirement account information
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Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and calculations
- Custody evaluation reports
- Child support enforcement information
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Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Property division agreements
- Alimony/spousal support arrangements
-
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders during proceedings
- Final Judgment of Absolute Divorce
- Name change orders (if applicable)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
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Procedural Documents:
- Hearing notices and scheduling orders
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Exhibits entered into evidence
- Certificates of divorce
The Final Judgment of Absolute Divorce, often referred to as the divorce decree, serves as the official legal document terminating the marriage. This document, as prescribed by Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103, contains the court's final determinations regarding:
- Legal grounds for divorce
- Effective date of marriage dissolution
- Property division terms
- Alimony awards
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support obligations
- Name restoration (if requested)
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Baltimore County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Baltimore County may obtain this documentation through established procedures with the appropriate government agencies. The type of proof needed often determines which agency should be contacted.
For certified copies of divorce decrees (the most commonly accepted proof of divorce):
- Submit a request to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County:
- Complete the Divorce Decree Request Form
- Include required information: names of both parties, case number (if known), approximate date of divorce
- Provide photo identification
- Include payment of $5.50 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies
- Submit in person or by mail to:
Circuit Court for Baltimore County - Clerk's Office
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
For verification of divorces granted after January 1, 1992:
- Contact the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records:
- Complete the Divorce Verification Application
- Include $12.00 fee per copy (check or money order)
- Provide proof of identity
- Submit to:
Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
6550 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-764-3038
Maryland Department of Health - Vital Records
For expedited service, individuals may:
- Visit the courthouse in person with proper identification
- Request "exemplified" copies (which include additional certification for use in other states or countries) for an additional fee
- Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return mail delivery
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Health-General § 4-217, only certain individuals are eligible to receive certified copies of divorce records, including parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, or those with a court order authorizing access.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Baltimore County?
Divorce proceedings in Baltimore County may be subject to confidentiality protections under specific circumstances, though complete confidentiality is rare. Maryland law provides mechanisms for protecting sensitive information while maintaining the generally public nature of court proceedings.
Under Maryland Rule 16-934, certain information in divorce cases is automatically shielded from public access, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account identifiers
- Names of minor children
- Medical and psychological records
- Income tax returns
- Employee personnel records
Additionally, parties may petition the court for enhanced confidentiality through:
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Motion to Seal: Parties may request specific documents or the entire case file be sealed from public view. The court grants such motions only upon finding that:
- A special and compelling reason exists
- No reasonable alternative exists
- The need for sealing outweighs the public interest in access
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Confidential Name Change: In cases involving domestic violence, Maryland Family Law Code § 7-105 permits name changes within divorce proceedings without public notice requirements.
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Restricted Case Search: Victims of domestic violence may request that their cases be shielded from public case search systems.
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Pseudonym Usage: In exceptional circumstances, the court may permit parties to use pseudonyms (e.g., "Jane Doe") in public filings.
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Protective Orders: The court may issue protective orders restricting disclosure of specific sensitive information.
The Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program provides additional protections for victims of domestic violence, allowing them to use a substitute address on public records, including divorce filings.
While these mechanisms provide significant privacy protections, it is important to note that divorce records remain fundamentally judicial records, and complete confidentiality is granted only in exceptional circumstances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Baltimore County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Baltimore County varies significantly based on case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and procedural requirements. Maryland law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual case resolution often extends beyond these minimums.
Key factors affecting divorce timeline include:
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Type of Divorce:
- Uncontested divorces (mutual consent): Typically 2-3 months from filing to finalization
- Contested divorces: 6-18 months, potentially longer for complex cases
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Statutory Waiting Periods:
- Mutual consent divorces: No waiting period required under Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103(a)(8)
- 12-month separation ground: Requires parties to live separate and apart for 12 continuous months
- Fault-based grounds: No specific waiting period, but procedural requirements extend timeline
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Mandatory Procedural Steps:
- Service of process: 30-90 days, depending on defendant location and cooperation
- Answer period: 30 days for in-state defendants, 60-90 days for out-of-state defendants
- Discovery phase: 2-6 months for document exchange and depositions
- Settlement conferences: Typically scheduled 4-6 months after filing
- Trial scheduling: Often 6-12 months from initial filing, depending on court calendar
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Additional Factors:
- Child custody disputes add 3-6 months on average
- Complex property division extends timeline by 2-4 months
- Court congestion can add 1-3 months to scheduling
- Attorney availability affects hearing scheduling
According to the Maryland Judiciary's statistical reports, the average time from filing to disposition for family law cases in Baltimore County Circuit Court is approximately 10 months, though individual cases vary significantly.
For expedited processing, parties with complete agreement on all issues may utilize the mutual consent divorce process, which eliminates separation requirements and can significantly reduce processing time.
How Long Does Baltimore County Keep Divorce Records?
Baltimore County maintains divorce records according to Maryland's judicial records retention schedule, which establishes different retention periods based on record type and historical significance. These retention policies ensure both short-term legal access and long-term historical preservation.
The retention schedule for divorce records includes:
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Case Files and Judgments:
- Permanent retention for judgments of absolute divorce
- Case files maintained for a minimum of 50 years from date of final decree
- After 50 years, records may be transferred to the Maryland State Archives for permanent preservation
- Electronic records maintained according to Maryland Rule 16-505
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Docket Entries and Indices:
- Maintained permanently in electronic format
- Provide perpetual record of case existence and basic information
- Accessible through Maryland Judiciary Case Search system
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Exhibits and Evidence:
- Retained for 30 days after final judgment becomes non-appealable
- May be reclaimed by submitting parties during this period
- Unclaimed exhibits destroyed or transferred to case file at court's discretion
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Recordings of Proceedings:
- Audio recordings maintained for 5 years
- Transcripts, when created, become part of the permanent case record
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Divorce Verification Records:
- The Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records maintains divorce verification records from January 1, 1992, to present
- These records are maintained permanently pursuant to Maryland Code, Health-General § 4-104
The Maryland Judiciary Records Management Division oversees compliance with retention schedules and coordinates with the Maryland State Archives for historical preservation of court records, including divorce proceedings.
For divorces finalized before computerized record-keeping (generally pre-1980s), researchers may need to consult microfilm or physical archives maintained by the Maryland State Archives.
How To Get a Divorce In Baltimore County
Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Baltimore County must follow Maryland's established legal procedures for divorce. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, but all divorces must be filed with the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
To initiate divorce proceedings:
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Determine eligibility and grounds:
- Residency requirement: At least one spouse must be a Maryland resident
- Select appropriate grounds under Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103:
- Mutual consent (no waiting period, requires written agreement)
- 12-month separation
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Cruel treatment
- Excessively vicious conduct
- Conviction of certain crimes
- Insanity
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Prepare and file required documents:
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce
- Civil Domestic Case Information Report
- Financial Statement (Long Form or Short Form)
- Joint Statement of Marital Property (if property division is contested)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if children involved)
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File documents with:
Circuit Court for Baltimore County - Clerk's Office
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
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Pay filing fees:
- Approximately $165 for initial filing
- Additional fees for service of process
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
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Serve the other party:
- Formal service required through:
- Sheriff's office
- Private process server
- Certified mail with restricted delivery
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
- Formal service required through:
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Complete the divorce process:
- For uncontested divorces: Submit settlement agreement and attend brief hearing
- For contested divorces: Participate in:
- Scheduling conference
- Mandatory settlement conference
- Discovery process
- Mediation (required in cases involving children)
- Trial (if issues remain unresolved)
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Obtain final judgment:
- Attend final hearing
- Judge signs Judgment of Absolute Divorce
- Clerk's office processes and records judgment
The Maryland Courts Self-Help Center provides assistance to self-represented litigants navigating the divorce process, including form completion and procedural guidance.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Baltimore County
Individuals seeking divorce papers in Baltimore County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. The Maryland Judiciary provides standardized forms that comply with state requirements.
To obtain divorce papers:
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Online resources:
- Download forms from the Maryland Courts Forms Finder
- Select "Family" category and "Divorce" subcategory
- Available forms include:
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-020)
- Financial Statement (CC-DR-030/031)
- Counter-Complaint (CC-DR-094)
- Settlement Agreement (CC-DR-116)
- Judgment of Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-072)
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In-person at the courthouse:
- Visit the Family Law Self-Help Center located at:
Circuit Court for Baltimore County - Family Law Self-Help Center
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 103
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-3162
Baltimore County Family Law Self-Help Center
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Staff can provide forms and procedural information (but not legal advice)
- Maryland Legal Aid:
- Free assistance for income-qualifying individuals
- Located at:
Maryland Legal Aid - Baltimore County Office
29 W. Susquehanna Avenue, Suite 305
Towson, MD 21204
410-427-1800
Maryland Legal Aid
- Law libraries:
- Forms and instructional materials available at:
Baltimore County Circuit Court Law Library
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 100
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-3086
Baltimore County Law Library
- By mail:
- Send written request to the Clerk's Office
- Include specific forms needed and self-addressed stamped envelope
- Mail to:
Circuit Court for Baltimore County - Clerk's Office
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
The People's Law Library of Maryland provides comprehensive guidance on completing divorce forms correctly, including sample completed forms and step-by-step instructions.