INSTRUCTIONS: MARYLAND COMPLAINT FOR LIMITED DIVORCE (Form CCDR21)

In Maryland, a legal separation is formally known as a "limited divorce." Only marriages in which there has been abuse, desertion or prolonged voluntary separation can be granted this status, which divides property and resolves issues of alimony and child support without granting a full divorce. The Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce form (CCDR21) can be obtained from the website of the Maryland Judiciary.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 1: Enter the full names and addresses of both spouses. Enter your name again where indicated.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 2: In section one, provide the date and location of your marriage.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 3: In sections two and three, answer all questions about how long you and your spouse have lived in Maryland and whether grounds for divorce occurred in the state.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 4: If you do not have any children, skip to step 5.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 5: If you have children, enter their names and dates of birth in section eleven.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 6: List all legal cases related to the children in sections six.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 7: In section seven, list all other parties who may have a custodial claim to any children.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 8: In section eight, list who currently has custody of the children.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 9: In section nine, list all places the children have lived in the last five years.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 10: In section ten, indicate whether you wish to have sole or joint legal and physical custody. Indicate whether you are seeking visitation rights.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 11: In section eleven, indicate whether you seek alimony and give your reasons.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 12: Section may be skipped if an agreement has been made about division of property. Otherwise, indicate which property you need the court to issue a ruling about.

Maryland Complaint For Limited Divorce CCDR21 Step 13: In section thirteen, check the box next to your grounds for divorce and the actions you wish the court to take.