Glen Burnie Divorce Lawyer

The decision to end a marriage can be one of the most difficult choices you ever make. However, many people ultimately find that a fresh start in life is exactly what they need. Before you can take those next steps, it is vital that you protect yourself throughout the court process with the help of a Glen Burnie divorce lawyer.

This process is hard enough without going through it alone. A dedicated family attorney could answer your questions, represent you in court, and ensure that your rights are protected along the way.

What are the Grounds for Divorce?

For many years, Maryland relied on the traditional approach to divorce that required the parties to blame each other for the breakdown of the marriage. This often led to avoidable conflict and delays. In an effort to break down barriers to a smoother divorce process, the state adopted a simplified approach.

Gone are the days when a spouse would need to prove infidelity or cruelty in order to bring their union to an end. Now, there are only three grounds for divorce, and all of them are fault-less grounds. They include:

• Separation for six months
• Irreconcilable differences
• Mutual consent

It is still possible that this process will lead to conflict. When the parties do not agree on matters such as spousal support, they will generally rely on a claim of irreconcilable differences unless they have already lived apart for more than half of a year.

Other spouses can simplify the process even further by divorcing with mutual consent. This approach requires both parties to submit an agreement to the court that addresses every major issue, from child support to property division. The judge must also sign off on this agreement in order to finalize the divorce. A divorce attorney in Glen Burnie could answer questions about this process.

The Divorce Process

The first step toward dissolving a marriage involves filing a complaint for divorce at the county courthouse. As with any lawsuit, the filing party must serve their spouse with a copy of the complaint and a notice to appear in court. There is also a residency requirement that must be met before filing.

If the grounds for divorce occurred in Maryland, there is no waiting period to move forward. The only situation where additional time is required is if the breakdown of the marriage happened in a different state. In that situation, a party must live in the state for at least six months before they can file.

The next step depends on whether the parties are in agreement on all of the issues. If they are, it is as simple as submitting the agreement to the court for approval. If any disputes remain, the court will have a hearing where each side makes its case. The support of a Glen Burnie divorce attorney is invaluable in this situation.

Call a Divorce Attorney in Glen Burnie Today

If you believe your marriage has come to an end, having the right legal support by your side is crucial. The Capital Family & Divorce Law Group of Price Benowitz LLP could assist you throughout the process. Contact a Glen Burnie divorce lawyer today to get started.