Maryland consistently ranks among the states with the lowest divorce rates in the U.S. The crude divorce rate, measured per 1,000 residents, is usually between 2.4 and 2.7. This rate places Maryland below the national average, indicating relatively stable marriages. Compared to other states, Maryland is often grouped with low-divorce states like Illinois and Massachusetts. So, if you marry in Maryland, apparently your odds of sticking it out are slightly better – lucky you.
In Maryland, the median length of all marriages is about 18.1 years. This is slightly below the national median for first marriages, which is around 20–21 years. So, Maryland couples might want to savor those nearly two decades before thinking about “until death do us part.”
| Age Group | U.S. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women (2021) | Key National Trend Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 15-24 | 19.7 | Highest Rate. Youngest age group has the highest rate, though it has decreased significantly over the past decades. |
| 25-34 | 16.3 | High, but lower than the youngest group. |
| 35-44 | 14.9 | Rate continues to decline with age. |
| 45-54 | 14.1 | Rate is lower than younger groups but shows significant stability compared to the past. |
| 55-64 | 11.8 | Part of the “Gray Divorce” trend; the rate has significantly increased for this group since 1990. |
| 65 and older | 5.5 | The “Gray Divorce” phenomenon means this rate has tripled since 1990, the fastest-growing rate across all age groups. |
Divorce Rate in Maryland in 2025
- Low Crude Divorce Rate. Maryland maintains a relatively low divorce rate – around 2.7 per 1,000 residents – likely influenced by its high median household income and educational attainment.
- Pure No-Fault State (Since 2023). As of October 1, 2023, Maryland eliminated all fault-based grounds for divorce. Now, blame no longer matters – finally, couples can argue less in court and more at home.
- Three No-Fault Grounds
Divorce can be granted on one of three grounds:- Six-Month Separation: Living apart continuously for six months.
- Irreconcilable Differences: Fundamental problems that cannot be resolved.
- Mutual Consent: Both parties sign a written settlement agreement.
- Shorter Separation Period. The previous 12-month separation requirement is now six months, speeding up divorces. Because why wait longer to be miserable?
- “Same-Home” Separation Legalized. Couples can be legally “separate and apart” while living under the same roof, as long as they lead separate lives (e.g., separate finances and bedrooms).
- Assumable Mortgages (Effective October 2025). One spouse can assume an existing conventional mortgage without refinancing after divorce. Finally, a law that makes financial sense – because nobody wants to refinance at peak interest rates.
- Equitable Distribution. Marital property is divided fairly – not always 50/50, but courts generally aim for equality.
Divorce Rate in Maryland in 2024
- Average Crude Divorce Rate. Maryland’s crude divorce rate is about 2.7 per 1,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 2.5.
- Low Rates Linked to High Income. High household incomes and educational attainment help keep Maryland divorces relatively rare. Apparently, money and degrees are the real marriage counselors.
- Abolition of Fault Grounds (Effective 2023). As of October 1, 2023, all fault-based grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion) were eliminated, making Maryland a pure no-fault state.
- Shorter Mandatory Separation. The required separation period dropped from 12 months to six months, speeding up divorces. Because who wants to wait a whole year to escape marital bliss?
- “Under the Same Roof” Separation Legalized. Couples can now meet the six-month separation requirement while living in the same home, provided they maintain separate lives (rooms, finances, etc.).
- “Irreconcilable Differences” Added as a Ground. Divorce can now be filed simply by claiming the marriage is irreparably broken. A fancy legal way of saying, “We just can’t stand each other anymore.”
- Limited Divorce Eliminated. Limited Divorce (legal separation) was repealed; the only option to end a marriage is now an Absolute Divorce.
- Fault Still Matters for Finances. Marital misconduct may still influence alimony and property division, even though it no longer affects the divorce itself.
Divorce Rate in Maryland in 2023
- Major Legislative Changes. Effective October 1, 2023, Maryland simplified the divorce process by eliminating Limited Divorce (legal separation) and most traditional fault-based grounds (adultery, desertion, cruelty).
- New No-Fault Ground.Divorces are now primarily granted on three no-fault grounds:
- Mutual Consent (all issues settled in a written agreement)
- Irreconcilable Differences
- Six-Month Separation. Finally, divorce doesn’t require proving who misbehaved – just claim irreconcilable differences and move on.
- Reduced Separation Period. The mandatory waiting period dropped from 12 months to 6 months for couples using the separation ground.
- “Same-Roof” Separation Legalized. Couples can meet the six-month separation requirement while living together, as long as they maintain separate lives (bedrooms, finances, etc.). Because nothing says “divorce ready” like splitting the closet and the bank account.
- Below-Average Crude Divorce Rate. Maryland’s crude divorce rate in 2023 was about 2.4 per 1,000 residents, slightly below the national average of 2.5.
- Gray Divorce Trend. About 25% of divorces involved couples aged 50+, often with complicated retirement asset divisions. Love may be timeless, but retirement plans apparently aren’t.
- High Financial Barrier. Despite high median incomes, contested divorces remain costly, which may help keep divorce rates modest.
- Women Initiate Most Divorces. Around 70% of divorces were initiated by women, reflecting the national pattern.