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Step 3 of 3: Form Questions Question 3 of 12

Complaint for Absolute Divorce

Montgomery County Circuit Court

QUESTION 3

What is your reason for filing for divorce? *

Maryland law requires specific legal grounds for divorce. Select the reason that applies to your situation.

Living separately for 12+ months

You and your spouse have lived apart continuously for at least 12 months

How this appears on your form:

"Voluntary separation for a period of more than twelve (12) months without interruption prior to filing of this Complaint, pursuant to Maryland Family Law § 7-103(a)(3)."

Adultery

Your spouse had an extramarital affair

How this appears on your form:

"Adultery committed by Defendant pursuant to Maryland Family Law § 7-103(a)(1)."

Cruelty or excessively vicious conduct

Physical or emotional abuse by your spouse

How this appears on your form:

"Cruelty of treatment toward Plaintiff or excessively vicious conduct by Defendant pursuant to Maryland Family Law § 7-103(a)(5)."

Desertion (12+ months)

Your spouse abandoned you for at least 12 months

How this appears on your form:

"Deliberate and final desertion by Defendant, continuing for twelve (12) months without interruption pursuant to Maryland Family Law § 7-103(a)(4)."

Conviction of a crime

Your spouse was convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and sentenced to prison

How this appears on your form:

"Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor in any state with sentencing to serve at least three years or an indeterminate sentence in a penal institution pursuant to Maryland Family Law § 7-103(a)(6)."

Follow-up Question

When did you and your spouse begin living separately? *

This date must be at least 12 months before today's date

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