What is a divorce decree?

A divorce decree is a legally binding document issued by the court which officially terminates a marriage. All issues that are agreed upon in a divorce, such as division of assets and alimony, are listed in the divorce decree. In Maryland, the court may grant a divorce on either the ground of mutual consent or the ground of "mutual and voluntary separation." In a divorce based on mutual consent, both spouses must agree to the facts of the case, and the court will then enter a decree of divorce. In a divorce based on mutual and voluntary separation, the court looks at whether the spouses have been living apart for a certain period of time. The spouses must also intend to end the marriage for the court to grant the divorce. In either case, once the court grants the divorce, it issues a decree of divorce that includes the facts of the case and the division of assets, debts, and other financial obligations. It may also include information about any alimony or child support payments, visitation rights, and custody arrangements. The divorce decree carries the same authority as any other court order, and it must be followed by both parties.

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