INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING AND FILING DIVORCE FORMS

Do I need a lawyer?

Probably YES if:

• The case is contested (you do not agree).

• Your spouse has a lawyer.

• You do not have an address for or cannot locate your spouse to serve them with court documents.

• You cannot get the evidence you need to prove your case.

• Your case involves complex issues:

o You are seeking support for an adult destitute child.

Where do I file my forms?

File with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the county in which you live, or in which your spouse lives or works.

What are the steps?

1. Complete a complaint form. There are two (2) different divorce complaint forms:

• Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-020): Use this form if you want to file for divorce.

• Counter-Claim for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-094): Use this form if your spouse has filed for an

Plan Instructions (CC-DRIN-109). You can use the Maryland

are not able to agree on a comprehensive parenting plan, you must

file a Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Decision-Making

Authority and Parenting Time (CC-DC-110). Learn more at

mdcourts.gov/parentingplan.

• Financial Statement (CC-DR-030): Required for cases seeking child support and the parents’

combined monthly income is $30,000 or less. Each spouse must file this form.

• Financial Statement (CC-DR-031): Required for cases seeking alimony, property distribution,

or child support if the parents’ combined monthly income is more than $30,000. Each spouse must

• Division of Vital Record’s Report of Absolute Divorce or Annulment of Marriage (get this form

from a court clerk). Submit a completed form before the end of your hearing. The court will not mail

you your divorce decree unless you file this form.

3. Prepare to file your completed forms.

• Call the court to ask about filing fees and

method of payment.

• If you cannot afford the fee, complete a

Request for Waiver of Prepayment of Prepaid

• If you are representing yourself, you can either file completed paperwork in person, or by mail

directly to the clerk’s office OR you can E-file.

• E-filing is NOT mandatory if you do not have a lawyer.

• For more information and directions about E-filing see: mdcourts.gov/mdec/efilingpublic

5. Complete Service of Process on your spouse. Service is the way the court knows the other side receives

copies of the papers you filed with the court. Learn more at mdcourts.gov/ccservice

• The clerk will send you a “writ of summons” for service of process on your spouse.

• You must arrange for a third party to serve a copy of the summons, the complaint, and all other

papers filed with the court on your spouse within 60 days of the date on the writ of summons.

• You may not serve the documents yourself. Another person must do it.

o You may have an adult who is not a party to the case perform the service by certified mail

requesting “Restricted Delivery – show to whom, date, address of delivery.” Your spouse

must sign the green card, which you must file with the court.

• Personal delivery means that papers are handed to your spouse. If service is made at your spouse’s

home, documents may be handed to your spouse or to a person over age 18 who also lives in the

home.

6. Your server should complete the Affidavit of Service to prove your spouse was served. File the Affidavit

of Service with the court.

• Use CC-DR-056 if service was by certified mail.

• Use CC-DR-055 if service was by private process.

• If your spouse was served in Maryland: 30 days after service of process.

• If your spouse was served in another state: 60 days after service of process.

• If your spouse was served in another country: 90 days after service of process.

• If your spouse does not respond in the time allowed, file a Request for Order of Default (CC-DR-054).

CC-DRIN-A (Rev. 10/2023) Page 2 of 2

• Maryland Court Help Center (phone & chat):

• Family Law Self-Help Centers (walk-in):