Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Find a Qualified Attorney Near You

Find a Qualified Attorney Near You

Search by legal issue and/or location

Enter information in one or both fields. (Required)

Maryland Family Laws

Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.

Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors

| Last updated
Legally Reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

Fact-Checked

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

Welcome to FindLaw’s Maryland Family Laws section, with useful and constantly updated information about such topics as marriage, divorce, adoption, child support, and child custody. Many of Maryland’s laws are similar to those of other states, with some minor differences. For example, "no fault" divorce (divorce with no grounds) requires that the couple live separate and apart for 12 months. Maryland also allows same-sex couples to get married. There are so many different areas of family law that can come into play, including: child abuse, annulment, domestic abuse, abortion, and protective orders. Click on a topic below to learn more about Maryland statutes.

Learn About Maryland Family Laws

  • Maryland Child Support Guidelines

    What you need to know if you are seeking (or paying) child support in Maryland and how the courts determine child support amounts, with information about enforcement measures.

  • Maryland Marriage License Requirements

    Overview of the basic requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the state of Maryland, including age requirements, identification needed, and links to state forms.

  • Maryland Marital Property Laws

    The basics of marital property law in the state of Maryland, which does not recognize community property, with information about how courts determine who gets what after a divorce.

  • Maryland Domestic Violence Laws

    A Maryland family law primer on domestic violence and the different types of domestic violence, with information about obtaining an order of protection and other victim resources.

  • Maryland Child Custody Laws

    Provisions of Maryland’s child custody laws and how courts typically determine who gets custody of a child after a divorce, including a summary of how custody hearings work.

  • Maryland Annulment and Prohibited Marriage Laws

    Information about which types of marriage are prohibited under Maryland law and the eligibility for getting an annulment, with a primer on same-sex marriage in the state.

Maryland Family Law Articles

Was this helpful?

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Family law matters are often complex and require a lawyer
  • Lawyers can protect your rights and seek the best outcome

Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Popular Directory Searches

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:
SPONSORED

Next Steps

Contact a qualified attorney.

Enter information. (Required)

Find Help for These Areas:

Copied to clipboard