Divorce records in Howard County, Maryland can be accessed through several channels, including online search tools, the court that issued the decree, and the state vital records office. HowardCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Howard County. You can also request records directly from the Howard County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, or obtain divorce verification through the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records.
Howard County Divorce Records Search
In Maryland, divorce cases are handled exclusively by the Circuit Courts. The Howard County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains all divorce case files originating in the county, including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, property distribution orders, and related filings. The Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records maintains divorce verification records for divorces and annulments that occurred on or after January 1, 1992. For older divorce records that have been transferred to the state, the Maryland State Archives may hold historical case files. You can search for basic case information online through Maryland Judiciary Case Search, which provides public access to case records from Circuit Courts statewide.
Howard County Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Howard County
All divorce cases in Howard County are filed in and adjudicated by the Howard County Circuit Court. Maryland does not use district courts or family courts for divorce proceedings — the Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, annulment, and related domestic matters.
After a divorce decree is entered, the official case file — including the decree, any marital settlement agreements, custody and support orders, and all pleadings — remains on file with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The court also reports the divorce to the Maryland Division of Vital Records, which maintains a verification record (not a full copy of the decree).
Which office to contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce decree or case documents: Contact the Howard County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. You can submit a judicial records request to obtain copies.
- Divorce verification letter (for divorces from 1992 onward): Contact the Maryland Division of Vital Records.
- Historical divorce records transferred to the Archives: Use the Maryland State Archives divorce decree order form. Note that documents are only available for courts that have transferred their files.
Howard County Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
Maryland Division of Vital Records
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Howard County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce verification letter (Division of Vital Records) | $10.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Circuit Court case document copy (per page, non-certified) | $0.50 | Varies; in-person requests may be same day |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per certification plus copy fees | Varies by request method |
| Maryland State Archives divorce decree copy | $10.00–$25.00 depending on format | 5–10 business days |