Fact-checked and verified on July 7, 2026
If you own a house in Prince George's County, MD and you are dealing with divorce, this page covers what actually happens next — the local timeline, what it costs, and the options that stay open to you. Everything below is specific to Prince George's County and how sales are handled in MD, not generic national advice.
In Prince George's County, if your ex refuses to sell the marital home, you can ask the court to force a sale through a process called a 'sale in lieu of partition' or by requesting a court-ordered sale as part of your divorce decree. Because Maryland follows 'equitable distribution' rules, the court has the power to decide how to split the house fairly even if you cannot agree. If your ex still refuses to cooperate after a court order, the judge can appoint a neutral third party, known as a trustee, to take control of the house, list it for sale, and split the money according to the court's instructions.
Maryland is an 'equitable distribution' state, meaning a judge divides property based on what is fair, which is not always a 50/50 split.
Source: https://www.peoples-law.org/marital-property-maryland
As of October 1, 2023, Maryland simplified divorce grounds to include a 6-month separation or irreconcilable differences.
Source: https://www.mdcourts.gov/family/divorce
A court can grant one spouse 'Use and Possession' of the family home for up to three years after a divorce if there are minor children.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2022/family-law/title-8/subtitle-2/section-8-208/
If a spouse refuses to sign sale documents, the Prince George's County Circuit Court can appoint a trustee to manage the sale.
Source: https://www.brpfamilylaw.com/blog/2013/march/divorce-and-selling-the-home/
To file for divorce in Maryland, you must have lived in the state for at least six months if the grounds for divorce happened elsewhere.
Source: https://www.peoples-law.org/residency-requirements-divorce-maryland
Maryland People's Law Library - Marital Property
https://www.peoples-law.org/marital-property-maryland
Maryland Judiciary - Divorce Information
https://www.mdcourts.gov/family/divorce
Justia - Maryland Code, Family Law Section 8-205
https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2022/family-law/title-8/subtitle-2/section-8-205/
Circuit Court for Prince George's County - Family Division
https://www.princegeorgescourts.org/155/Family-Division
A clean break. Close in as little as 7 days.
A clean break. Close in as little as 7 days.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Laws, timelines, and market conditions vary by state and change over time. Always consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional about your specific situation before making any decisions. Any cash offer is subject to a property evaluation, and closing timelines depend on title, occupancy, and other factors. Results described on this site are not a guarantee of any particular outcome. Black Girls Buy Houses LLC is a real estate investment company that purchases properties directly; we are not licensed real estate agents or brokers and do not provide brokerage services. We are committed to the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Act and conduct business in accordance with all federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
We use cookies for essential site functionality and analytics. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Privacy Policy