If you want a divorce, simply separate from your spouse for one year. Maryland does requires that there be no sexual relations during the one year separation and that the parties live in separate residences for the entire year.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in MD?

For a voluntary separation, you must have been voluntarily separated for at least 12 months without cohabitation (without a single night under the same roof and without any sexual intercourse) before you can file for absolute divorce.

What is considered legally separated in Maryland?

There is no such thing as a “legal separation” in Maryland. If you and your spouse live apart with the intention of ending your marriage, and if you do not have sexual intercourse during that time, that constitutes separation.

Who qualifies for alimony in Maryland?

You may receive alimony if (because of your age, an illness, or a disability) you cannot (1) make reasonable progress toward supporting yourself or (2) even if you can make reasonable progress; your ex-spouse’s standard of living is “unconscionably disparate” from yours.

Can a separation be a grounds for divorce in Maryland?

Maryland law does not recognize legal separations, although limited divorces are similar. Instead, separation is a “ground” or reason for divorce in Maryland as explained below. A couple has separated if they live apart, do not engage in sexual relations during that time, and intend to end the marriage.

How long can you be legally separated from your spouse?

If you are legally separated from your spouse, you may remain so for as long as the two of you desire. There is actually no need for you to get a divorce at some point. What is a legal separation and what does legally separated mean?

What are the different types of divorce in Maryland?

Before we move on to the grounds for divorce, it’s important to understand that in Maryland, there are two kinds of divorce: “limited divorce” and “absolute divorce. A “limited divorce” authorizes spouses to live in separate homes and get court orders about some financial and custody issues. However, the spouses remain husband and wife.

Do you have to get a divorce if you are separated from your spouse?

To be legally separated from your spouse, there is actually no need for you to get a divorce at some point. Dating while legally separated could be a possibility but for it to transpire to marriage, the estranged couple has to get a divorce.