Maryland Divorce Forms – With Children

When divorce proceedings in Maryland involve children, there are particular documents and legal terminology necessary to handle custody, visitation, and child support. Under Maryland law, a "Child Support Guidelines Worksheet" and a "Parenting Plan" or "Joint Custody Agreement" should be included in the final divorce decree. This plan outlines the child's primary residence, parents' rights and responsibilities, visitation schedule, child support, and addresses other aspects affecting the child's welfare.

As a rule, an uncontested divorce case in Maryland involving children generally contains the following documents, but please note this list may not be exhaustive for your specific situation and circumstances:

Commonly required documents are:

  1. Complaint for Absolute Divorce
  2. Domestic Relations Affidavit
  3. Answer to Complaint for Absolute Divorce
  4. Financial Statement (Child Support Guidelines)
  5. Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Marital and Non-Marital Property
  6. Report of Absolute Divorce or Annulment of Marriage
  7. Joint Request to Schedule an Uncontested Divorce Hearing
  8. Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
  9. Separation Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement
  10. Notice of Contempt Hearing and Order

In instances where division of certain retirement accounts is involved, the court may require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Additionally, there could be other documents beneficial to complete during the divorce process but not mandatory by or submitted to the court. A frequent example is a quit claim deed, employed when one spouse is awarded real property (house/land), transferring the other spouse’s interests in the property to the awarded spouse.

Bear in mind, there are multiple factors determining the required documents in any divorce case and what language should or should not be included in these documents. Read our recommendation by clicking here to learn how to get legally accurate and complete case documents online.