Maryland Divorce Lawyer
Whether you are distraught or glad that your spouse and you are ending the marital relationship, the process can be overwhelming without the help of a family attorney. A divorce is the legal ending of a marriage by order of the court. According to U.S. Census information, nearly 37,000 partners in the state got divorced in 2017.
There are state-specific regulations regarding legally terminating a marriage. The Maryland State Law Library provides a great deal of information on the subject, and it offers an internet service, called the People’s Law Library of Maryland. However, if you are separating from your spouse, retaining a knowledgeable Maryland divorce lawyer to help you through the process could prove beneficial, as well.
Absolute Divorce
Divorces in Maryland used to be absolute or limited, but as of October 2023, the state only recognizes absolute divorces. It may be important to discuss what this means with a dissolution attorney in Maryland.
Maryland Family Law § 7-103 grants courts the ability to decree an absolute divorce. The acceptable grounds for an absolute divorce include the following:
- Six months of separation
- Irreconcilable differences
- Mutual consent
An absolute divorce is final. When the decree is issued by the court, the parties may remarry, and any marital property is severed.
Educational Seminar Requirement in Maryland Divorces
Md. Code Fam. Law §7-103.2(b) mandates that couples attend an informational class that will further teach them about the effects of separation on children’s lives. The course also conveys ideas on how to minimize the disruption to offspring. In the State of Maryland, the Court will order parents to attend such an educational seminar when custody is at issue. An attorney in Maryland can help you in filing for custody during your divorce and help you navigate this completed but important process.
Name Changes as Part of a Divorce Decree
Md. Code Fam. Law § 7–105 allows for an ex-spouse to revert to a pre-marriage name by making the request for a name change part of the absolute divorce decree. If this item does not appear in the final decree, a divorcing spouse still has 18 months to file a motion for a name change with the family court. A Maryland dissolution lawyer may have additional ideas for what may be written into the absolute decree, and might also assist with filing necessary motions as part of a dissolution of marriage.
How a Maryland Divorce Attorney Can Help
It may be difficult for you to decide the type of separation that you wish to seek. Moreover, understanding all of the requirements and the implications of certain decisions might be overwhelming for you. Contact a Maryland divorce lawyer today to ask further questions and move forward with the divorce process.