Maryland Residency Requirements
Residency requirements for filing for divorce in Maryland. Learn how long you need to live in the state, what counts as residency, and what to do if you just moved. Updated for 2026.
State Residency
6
months minimum
County Residency
months minimum
Note: At least one party must have been a resident of Maryland for at least 6 months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce complaint. If the grounds for divorce arose outside of Maryland, at least one party must have been a Maryland resident for at least 6 months before filing. Md. Code, Family Law § 7-101.
Maryland Residency Requirements Explained
Before you can file for divorce in Maryland, at least one spouse must meet the state's residency requirement. This means you must have been a bona fide resident of Maryland for a minimum of 6 months prior to filing your petition.
In addition to the state requirement, Maryland also requires that you have lived in the county where you file for at least months. You must file in the county where you (or your spouse) reside.
The residency requirement applies to only one spouse. If your spouse lives in another state, you can still file in Maryland as long as you personally meet the requirement.
How to Prove Maryland Residency
If the court or your spouse challenges your residency, you may need to provide evidence. Common proof of residency includes:
Valid Maryland driver's license or state ID
Active voter registration in Maryland
Current lease agreement or mortgage for a Maryland address
Maryland state tax returns filed as a resident
Utility bills in your name at your current address
Pay stubs or employment verification in Maryland
Bank statements showing a Maryland address
Vehicle registered in Maryland
Check your eligibility to file
Answer a few questions and Divorce.ai will confirm if you meet Maryland's residency requirements.
Military Personnel & Residency
Active duty military members have special residency options for divorce. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), military members can claim residency in Maryland if:
- •They are currently stationed in Maryland
- •They maintain Maryland as their legal domicile (home of record)
- •Their spouse lives in Maryland
Military divorce may also involve unique considerations like military pension division, BAH, and deployment-related custody issues. Consult a military-experienced attorney if needed.
What If I Just Moved to Maryland?
Start your countdown. Note the date you moved to Maryland. You can file after 6 months from that date.
Prepare now. Use the waiting time to gather financial documents, complete your forms, and reach agreement with your spouse.
Consider your previous state. If you still meet the residency requirements in the state you left, you may be able to file there instead.
Emergency protections are available. If you need protection from domestic violence, you can file for a protective order regardless of residency status.
Don't wait to prepare
Start your Maryland divorce paperwork now so you can file the day you meet residency requirements.
Where to File in Maryland
Once you meet Maryland's residency requirements, you must file for divorce in the correct court. In Maryland, divorce is filed in the county where you or your spouse lives.
Filing Location Checklist
- ✓Confirm you meet the 6-month state residency requirement
- ✓Confirm you meet the -month county residency requirement
- ✓Identify the correct court for your county
- ✓Check local filing rules and any county-specific forms
- ✓Check if e-filing is available in your county