The very first step before filing for divorce in Maryland is to confirm you have the correct jurisdiction. Secondly you need to verify you have a grounds for divorce. Once these are verified and you are confident you have the correct location (jurisdiction) and you have a grounds for divorce, then you are ready to draft the pleadings. The pleadings themselves are to follow specific outlines. The rules for pleadings are found in RULE 1-301. FORM OF COURT PAPERS. A pleading is to have

Caption and Titling. Every pleading and paper filed shall contain a caption setting forth (1) the parties or, where appropriate, the matter, (2) the name of the court, (3) the assigned docket reference, and (4) a brief descriptive title of the pleading or paper which indicates its nature.

An original pleading shall contain the names and addresses, including zip code, of all parties to the action if the names and addresses are known to the person filing the pleading. If the address of a party is unknown, the pleading shall so state.

Regardless of the nature of the action, the party bringing an action shall be called the plaintiff and the party against whom the action is brought shall be called the defendant.