Rule 9-209.Testimony
Last amended January 1, 2019 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 9-209
Amendment History
Maryland publishes each rule’s adoption and amendment record as a bracketed “Credits” note beneath the rule, giving the date of each Rules Order and the date it took effect. It is reproduced verbatim below.
[Adopted March 5, 2001, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended Sept. 17, 2015, eff. Jan. 1, 2016; Oct. 10, 2018, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
Plain-English Summary
Two sentences, and they close a door. A judgment granting a divorce, an annulment or alimony may be entered only upon testimony in person before a magistrate or in open court. Paper alone will not do it, even where nobody objects.
In an uncontested case, that testimony is taken before a magistrate unless the court directs otherwise. The cross references point to the statutory requirement of oral testimony by the plaintiff in a divorce action, and to the default procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get divorced in Maryland without appearing?
Not without testimony. A judgment granting a divorce, annulment or alimony may be entered only upon testimony in person before a magistrate or in open court.
Who hears an uncontested divorce?
A magistrate, unless the court directs otherwise.
Does a default judgment avoid the testimony requirement?
No. The rule applies to the entry of the judgment itself, and cross-references the default procedures rather than excepting them.