Maryland Divorce ~ Grounds For Limited Divorce Or Legal Separation
For many religious or personal reasons many people do not wish to get a full divorce and opt for a "limited divorce". There is no legal separation in Maryland. A "limited divorce" in Maryland is similar to what other states call a "legal separation". Limited divorces are very similar to an absolute divorce with the major difference being the couple may not remarry. You are still married in the period of time that you are legally separated.
Maryland requires that you meet residency requirements, grounds and other laws just as you would for an absolute divorce. Limited divorces can also involve property settlements, child support, custody and alimony.
Grounds for obtaining a limited divorce in Maryland :
~cruelty or excessively vicious conduct to the plaintiff or minor child
~desertion
~voluntary separation without any reasonable expectation of reconciliation
Maryland courts may grant you a limited divorce even though you are seeking an absolute divorce. The courts may also decree these divorces permanent or for a limited time period. A Maryland limited divorce may be revoked by the court at any time upon the joint applications of the parties to be discharged. If that happens you remain married in the state of Maryland.
Source : How To Do Your Own Divorce In Maryland by Richard S. Granat (2004)