MarylandMaryland would limit public access to most divorce records
Starting October 1, 2026, Maryland custodians would generally keep divorce-case records private while allowing access for case participants, their lawyers, and court-authorized people.
What it does
Most divorce-case records, including financial and custody records, would no longer be open to the public. People involved in the case, their lawyers, and court-authorized requesters could still inspect them.
Argument forPeople going through divorce could have more privacy because financial, settlement, and custody records would generally stay out of public view.
Argument againstJournalists and other members of the public could have less access to records that may help them review divorce-court decisions and financial information.
More detail
Public-records custodians would have to deny inspection of most records about a divorce proceeding. This covers divorce applications, financial records filed in the case, divorce settlement records, and custody orders. A final divorce decree is not covered by this restriction. Custodians must release the records to a person involved in the case, that person’s lawyer, or someone authorized by a court order. The rule would take effect October 1, 2026, and would apply from that date forward.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 4Gubernatorial Veto Override (Legislative date: 8/4/2026) - Chapter 880Latest
- Aug 4OverriddenMajor
- Aug 3OverriddenMajor
- May 22Vetoed by the Governor Wes Moore (Policy)Major
- Apr 13Returned Passed
- Apr 13Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Apr 11Favorable Adopted Second Reading PassedMinor
- Apr 11Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and ElectionsMinor
- Apr 1
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 26Hearing 4/07 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 27Referred Government, Labor, and ElectionsMinor
- Feb 26Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Feb 24Second Reading Passed
- Feb 24Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Feb 23Favorable Report by Judicial ProceedingsMinor
- Feb 18
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 2Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 30First Reading Judicial ProceedingsIntroduced
Government & EthicsCivil Rights & VotingMental Health