Maryland: divorce rules by state
How long you must live in a state before filing for divorce, how long you wait after filing, and any separation the state requires.
| Residency requirement | 6 months if the grounds arose outside Maryland; none if inside |
|---|---|
| Residency law | Md. Code, Fam. Law § 7-101 |
| Waiting period after filing | None |
| Separation required (no-fault divorce) | 6 months living apart, or file on irreconcilable differences (reform effective Oct. 1, 2023) |
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Maryland.
Also for Maryland: Workers' comp deadlines in Maryland · Small estate limits in Maryland · Small claims limits in Maryland · Homestead exemptions in Maryland · DUI penalties in Maryland
How we checked this
Residency rules come from a statute-cited 50-state chart and were compared with two other 50-state tables. Disputed states were checked on the state's own code. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.