Prince George's County Divorce Records
What Are Prince George's County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Prince George's County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103, which establishes the grounds for absolute divorce in the state. Divorce proceedings in Prince George's County are handled by the Circuit Court, which serves as the court of record for these matters.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- The initial divorce petition or complaint
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Financial statements and property division agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements (when applicable)
- The final divorce decree or judgment
These documents serve multiple essential purposes for individuals and government agencies, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage by confirming the termination of a previous marriage
- Supporting name change processes following divorce
- Verifying eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Documenting status for loan applications
- Establishing marital history for immigration matters
The Circuit Court for Prince George's County maintains these records in accordance with state retention requirements and provides access to them under guidelines established by Maryland law.
Are Prince George's County Divorce Records Public?
Prince George's County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Maryland General Provisions Code § 4-101, which establishes the state's Public Information Act. Under this framework, divorce case files maintained by the Circuit Court are generally considered public records, though with significant exceptions.
The public accessibility of divorce records is structured as follows:
-
Court Case Files: Basic case information including party names, case numbers, and filing dates are publicly accessible through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system. Most pleadings and court orders within divorce case files are available for public inspection at the courthouse, though certain sensitive documents may be sealed.
-
Restricted Documents: Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-934, certain documents within divorce files receive heightened protection, including:
- Financial statements and tax returns
- Medical and psychological reports
- Child custody evaluations
- Records containing identifying information for victims of domestic violence
-
Certified Divorce Certificates: The Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records issues certified divorce verifications, which have restricted access. Only the parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, or individuals with a court order may obtain these official verifications.
Individuals seeking divorce records should note that while court records are presumptively public, judges retain discretion to seal portions of divorce files when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy or risk harm to involved parties, particularly children.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Prince George's County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Prince George's County may utilize several established methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For basic case information and docket entries:
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search online database
- Enter the name of at least one party to the divorce
- Select Prince George's County as the jurisdiction
- Review the resulting case information, which includes filing dates, case type, and party names
For detailed court documents:
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours
- Provide the case number (if known) or names of the parties and approximate date of filing
- Request to view the case file, which will be provided for inspection
- Request copies of specific documents (fees apply)
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
For certified verification of divorce:
- Submit a completed application to the Division of Vital Records
- Provide proof of identity and legal right to access the record
- Pay the required fee ($12 per copy currently)
- Allow processing time (typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests)
Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
6550 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-764-3038
Maryland Department of Health
Requesters should note that certified divorce verifications from the Division of Vital Records are only available for divorces finalized on or after January 1, 1992, pursuant to state record-keeping regulations.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Prince George's County Online?
Prince George's County residents and other authorized individuals may access certain divorce record information through digital platforms, though comprehensive online access remains limited due to privacy considerations. The primary online resources include:
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system provides the most accessible online method for basic divorce case information:
- Navigate to the official Case Search portal
- Accept the terms and conditions of use
- Enter search criteria (at minimum, one party's name)
- Select "Prince George's County Circuit Court" as the court
- Specify "Family" as the case type for more targeted results
- Review the resulting case information, which typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Docket entries showing case progression
- Case status (open or closed)
For cases filed after the implementation of Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) in Prince George's County, registered attorneys and self-represented litigants who are parties to a case may access additional documents through:
- Maryland Electronic Courts
- MDEC File & Serve platform (requires registration and authentication)
The Maryland State Archives maintains historical divorce records and provides an online index for older cases, though document retrieval generally requires an in-person visit or mail request.
It is important to note that while basic case information is available online, full divorce decrees, financial statements, and other sensitive documents are not accessible through public-facing internet platforms and require in-person requests at the courthouse or through official channels.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Prince George's County?
Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Prince George's County have several options available, though free access is typically limited to basic information or in-person inspection rather than obtaining copies. The following methods provide cost-free access to divorce record information:
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system offers free online access to basic case information:
- Visit the Case Search website
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review the resulting case summary and docket entries
- This service is available at no charge and provides 24/7 access to basic case details
In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday)
- Request to view specific divorce case files using party names or case numbers
- Examine the non-sealed portions of the file on-site
- While inspection is free, copying services incur standard fees ($0.50 per page currently)
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
Public library resources:
- The Prince George's County Memorial Library System provides free public computer access
- Library computers can be used to access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Reference librarians may assist with navigating public records resources
Law library access:
- The Prince George's County Law Library offers public access to legal research materials
- Located within the courthouse complex, the law library provides resources for understanding divorce proceedings and locating case information
Prince George's County Law Library
14735 Main Street, M1400
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3438
Prince George's County Law Library
Researchers should note that while basic information and inspection may be free, obtaining certified copies or official verifications will always involve statutory fees that cannot be waived except in specific hardship circumstances determined by court order.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Prince George's County
Divorce records in Prince George's County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage from initiation through final judgment. These records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-902, which governs court recordkeeping. The contents typically include:
Initial filing documents:
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce (or Complaint for Limited Divorce)
- Civil Domestic Case Information Report
- Financial Statement (Long Form or Short Form)
- Joint Statement of Marital and Non-Marital Property (if property division is contested)
- Certificate of Service showing proper notification to the responding spouse
Procedural documents:
- Answer to Complaint filed by the responding spouse
- Counter-Complaint (if applicable)
- Motions and responses filed throughout the case
- Scheduling notices and hearing results
- Temporary orders regarding support, custody, or property use
Settlement documents (when applicable):
- Marital Settlement Agreement detailing the terms of divorce
- Parenting Plan outlining custody and visitation arrangements
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet calculating support obligations
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement assets
Final judgment documents:
- Judgment of Absolute Divorce
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Name change order (if requested)
- Child support and custody orders incorporated into the judgment
The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of property division. Records from contested divorces with trials typically contain transcripts of testimony, exhibits entered into evidence, and detailed judicial findings that may not appear in records of uncontested proceedings.
Researchers should be aware that certain sensitive documents within divorce files may be sealed or redacted, particularly those containing financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, or information pertaining to minor children.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Prince George's County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Prince George's County have multiple options for obtaining verification, depending on when the divorce was granted and the level of documentation needed. The following methods are available for securing proof of divorce:
For certified verification of divorces granted on or after January 1, 1992:
- Submit a completed application to the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records
- Provide acceptable identification proving eligibility to receive the record
- Include the required fee ($12 per copy currently)
- Applications may be submitted by mail or in person
Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
6550 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-764-3038
Maryland Division of Vital Records
For certified copies of divorce decrees (all years):
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office where the divorce was granted
- Complete a request form providing case information
- Present identification and establish eligibility to access the record
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 plus $0.50 per page currently)
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
For divorces granted prior to 1992:
- Contact the Maryland State Archives for historical divorce records
- Provide as much information as possible about the case
- Request a search of equity records, which include divorces
- Pay applicable research and copy fees
Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-6400
Maryland State Archives
Pursuant to Maryland Family Law Code § 7-104, a certified copy of the divorce decree serves as conclusive evidence of the termination of marriage and can be used for all legal purposes, including remarriage, name change documentation, and immigration proceedings.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Prince George's County?
While divorce proceedings in Prince George's County are generally matters of public record, Maryland law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be shielded from public view. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Maryland Rule 16-934, which establishes categories of court records that may be sealed or redacted.
Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:
Automatic shielding by statute:
- Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers
- Records pertaining to child abuse or neglect proceedings
- Medical and psychological reports submitted as evidence
- Income tax returns and detailed financial statements
Sealing by judicial order:
- Upon motion by either party, a judge may seal specific documents or entire case files
- The court must find that a compelling privacy interest outweighs the presumption of openness
- Orders to seal must be narrowly tailored to protect only the information requiring confidentiality
Protective orders in cases involving:
- Domestic violence or threats of harm
- Stalking or harassment concerns
- Protection of minor children from unnecessary exposure
Individuals seeking confidentiality in divorce proceedings must typically file a motion requesting that specific documents or information be placed under seal. The motion must demonstrate:
- A substantial and legitimate interest in privacy
- Risk of specific harm from disclosure
- The inadequacy of less restrictive alternatives
- A proposed sealing order narrowly tailored to protect only necessary information
It is important to note that even when portions of a divorce file are sealed, basic case information—including party names and the existence of the case—generally remains visible in public indices unless extraordinary circumstances justify complete shielding of the case.
Parties concerned about privacy should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to develop appropriate strategies for protecting sensitive information while complying with Maryland's public records laws.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Prince George's County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Prince George's County varies significantly based on several key factors, including the type of divorce sought, the complexity of issues involved, and the level of agreement between parties. Under Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103, different grounds for divorce have varying waiting periods and procedural requirements.
Timeframes for uncontested divorces:
- Mutual consent divorces (where parties have a written settlement agreement addressing all issues) typically require 2-3 months from filing to finalization
- Twelve-month separation divorces require completion of the full separation period before filing, then approximately 2-3 months for processing
- Divorces based on other grounds (such as adultery or cruelty) may proceed without waiting periods but require evidentiary hearings
Timeframes for contested divorces:
- Simple contested cases with limited issues typically take 6-9 months
- Moderately complex cases involving property division and custody disputes average 9-12 months
- Highly contested cases with significant assets or complex custody issues may extend to 18-24 months or longer
Procedural factors affecting timeline:
- The court's scheduling availability (currently experiencing moderate backlogs)
- Mandatory settlement conferences and mediation requirements
- Discovery processes for financial and custody investigations
- Motion practice and resulting hearings
- Judicial caseload and priority given to cases involving children
According to the Maryland Judiciary's statistical reports, the average time from filing to disposition for family law cases in Prince George's County Circuit Court is approximately 10 months, though individual cases may vary substantially from this average.
Parties seeking expedited processing should consider:
- Filing by mutual consent when possible
- Utilizing alternative dispute resolution methods
- Ensuring prompt compliance with discovery and disclosure requirements
- Considering limited-scope representation for specific procedural assistance
The court prioritizes cases involving allegations of domestic violence or child endangerment, which may receive expedited hearing schedules pursuant to statutory requirements.
How Long Does Prince George's County Keep Divorce Records?
Prince George's County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Maryland Rule 16-505 and the Maryland State Archives' records management program. The preservation periods vary based on the type of record and its historical significance.
The retention schedule for divorce records includes:
Circuit Court case files:
- Complete case files are maintained at the courthouse for a minimum of 3 years after case disposition
- After the initial retention period, files are transferred to the Maryland State Archives for permanent preservation
- Docket entries and indices are maintained permanently in electronic format
- Judgments of divorce are preserved indefinitely as permanent records
Maryland Department of Health records:
- The Division of Vital Records maintains divorce verifications for divorces granted on or after January 1, 1992
- These records are maintained permanently as vital statistics
- Access is restricted to eligible parties but the records themselves are never destroyed
Electronic records:
- The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system maintains basic case information indefinitely
- Electronic dockets implemented through the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system are preserved permanently
- Digital images of documents filed electronically are maintained according to the same schedule as paper records
Historical records:
- Divorce records dating back to the establishment of Prince George's County in 1696 have been preserved
- These historical records are maintained by the Maryland State Archives
- Older records may be in various formats including microfilm, microfiche, or original paper
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that the organization and indexing systems have changed over time. Records from different eras may be cataloged under various classification systems, including:
- Equity cases (traditional classification for divorces)
- Chancery proceedings (for older records)
- Family law cases (modern classification)
The permanent preservation of divorce records ensures that these important legal documents remain available for legitimate historical, legal, and genealogical research purposes in perpetuity.
How To Get a Divorce In Prince George's County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Prince George's County must follow specific procedures established under Maryland family law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, but generally includes the following steps:
Establishing eligibility:
- At least one spouse must be a Maryland resident
- For divorces based on grounds occurring outside Maryland, at least one spouse must have resided in Maryland for at least six months before filing
- Different grounds for divorce have specific eligibility requirements under Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103
Initiating the divorce:
- Complete the Complaint for Absolute Divorce form (CC-DR-020)
- File the complaint and required attachments with the Circuit Court Clerk
- Pay the filing fee (currently $165) or request a fee waiver if eligible
- Serve the complaint and summons on the other spouse according to Maryland Rules
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
For uncontested divorces:
- Prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement addressing all issues
- File a Joint Statement of Marital and Non-Marital Property
- Schedule an uncontested divorce hearing
- Attend the hearing with a corroborating witness
- Obtain the final divorce decree after judicial approval
For contested divorces:
- Participate in the scheduling conference to establish case deadlines
- Complete mandatory financial disclosures
- Attend court-ordered mediation for custody and/or property issues
- Participate in pendente lite hearings for temporary arrangements if needed
- Prepare for and attend the trial if settlement is not reached
- Receive the judge's decision and final divorce decree
Additional resources available to divorcing parties include:
- The Family Law Self-Help Center provides assistance to self-represented litigants
- Maryland Courts Self-Help Videos explain divorce procedures
- Maryland Legal Aid offers representation to qualifying low-income individuals
Parties should be aware that specific requirements may change, and consulting with a family law attorney is advisable, particularly for complex cases involving children, significant assets, or contested issues.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Prince George's County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Prince George's County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The Maryland Judiciary has standardized many family law forms to facilitate access to the legal system, particularly for self-represented litigants.
Court-provided divorce forms are available through the following channels:
In-person at the courthouse:
- Visit the Family Department or Clerk's Office at the Circuit Court
- Request specific divorce packet forms based on your circumstances
- Forms are provided at minimal or no cost
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
Online resources:
- Access standardized forms through the Maryland Courts Forms Finder
- Select "Family" and then "Divorce" to view available forms
- Download fillable PDF versions at no cost
- Forms include detailed instructions for completion
Common required forms include:
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-020)
- Financial Statement (CC-DR-030 or CC-DR-031)
- Joint Statement of Marital and Non-Marital Property (CC-DR-033)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CC-DR-034 or CC-DR-035) if children are involved
- Settlement Agreement (CC-DR-116) for uncontested divorces
Self-Help Center assistance:
- The Family Law Self-Help Center provides guidance on form selection and completion
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can explain procedural requirements
- Available during regular court hours on a walk-in basis
Family Law Self-Help Center
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
14735 Main Street, M0159
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-780-2000
Maryland Courts Family Law Assistance
Law library resources:
- The Prince George's County Law Library maintains reference copies of divorce forms
- Staff can direct patrons to appropriate resources
- Photocopying services are available for a nominal fee
Individuals with complex cases or those uncertain about which forms apply to their situation should consider consulting with an attorney. The Maryland State Bar Association and Prince George's County Bar Association offer lawyer referral services to connect individuals with appropriate legal counsel.
Lookup Divorce Records in Prince George's County
Prince George's County Circuit Court