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Big Changes to Maryland’s Divorce Law as of October 1, 2023

Big Changes to Maryland’s Divorce Law as of October 1, 2023

As of October 1, 2023, there will be some significant changes to Maryland’s divorce law. The new law (MD SB0036 signed into law by Governor Moore) will apply to all divorce cases filed in Maryland on or after October 1, 2023. While these are significant changes, getting a divorce in Maryland will be simpler and more streamlined. Limited and Absolute Divorce Currently, two types of divorce may be filed in Maryland – Limited Divorce and Absolute Divorce. Limited divorce can be used if you do not yet want an absolute divorce or do not yet meet the absolute divorce requirements…
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Alternative Service of Process

When you get a divorce, you have to serve papers on the other party. Every party has the right to notification of a divorce being filed against him/her requiring “Service”.  This is called “Service of Process in a Divorce”.  Each state has its own service of process requirements in a divorce.  Typically when a spouse cannot be located, the filing party must be a legal resident in the city/county and state for the minimum required time to file in that state. What is "Alternative Service of Process": When you can’t locate your spouse to serve him/her with the divorce complaint,…
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Divorce Mediation

The Uncontested Divorce and How Online Divorce Mediation Can Get You There Divorce mediation, particularly, online divorce mediation, can be a quick and inexpensive way to resolve your divorce conflicts. Here is how it works: The lowest cost way to get a divorce, is to represent yourself in an uncontested divorce. By representing yourself in an uncontested divorce you can save thousands of dollars in legal fees. You cost is the cost of the divorce forms (under $300.00 from this web site), and court filing fees. When both spouses, execute a binding Marital Separation Agreement, settling all issues between them, the…
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Same Sex Divorce in Maryland

Same Sex Divorce Same sex divorce is coming to Maryland. Maryland was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2012 by popular vote. Effective January 1, 2013, same sex marriage became legal in Maryland. You can also get a same sex-sex divorce in Maryland based on any of the grounds for divorce, but the most practical ground for divorce is what is known as a “no-fault” divorce based upon a one year separation. One year separation means that the spouses must live separate and apart for one year. Getting a divorce based on adultery is problematic because the Maryland statutes…
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Selecting a Divorce Attorney

Divorce Attorney: What You Need to Know Many people handle represent themselves without retaining a divorce attorney. In California, 75% of all uncontested divorces are managed by unrepresented pro se litigants. Family mediation is also a process that is often handled by the parties without representation by divorce attorneys.  Others decide they should retain divorce attorneys to review the draft of the Marital Settlement Agreement. If you have a pension or a large amount of property or income it is certainly advisable to consult an attorney before you sign a final agreement. An attorney can also be very helpful in advising you during the mediation itself. You…
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Maryland Mutual Consent Divorce

Maryland has a new ground for an uncontested divorce call a “Mutual Consent Divorce”. This new type of divorce eliminates the one-year waiting period. You can expedite your divorce in Maryland, if you meet the new qualifications for a “Mutual Consent Divorce in Maryland”, —  effective October 1, 2015 and October 1, 2018. Qualifications for a “Mutual Consent Divorce in Maryland” Whether you have children or not,  you can qualify for this divorce which does not require a one year waiting period. This new divorce is called a “Divorce by Mutual Consent”. You must satisfy these conditions to qualify for a Divorce…
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Why You Need a Marital Separation Agreement

Execute a Marital Separation Agreement as Soon as You Separate As soon as you and your spouse execute a Marital Separation Agreement (sometimes called a Marital Settlement Agreement or a Property Settlement Agreement), your divorce will become uncontested.  You can then represent yourself in the divorce hearing, if a divorce hearing is required. If you can agree with your spouse on the major issues, and execute a Marital Separation Agreement you will save you thousands of dollars in legal fees. You don’t need counsel in order to create and enter into a Marital Separation Agreement.  When parties to a divorce are represented by counsel the cost of legal fees…
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