The spouse who files for the divorce first is identified as the Plaintiff in the Court, and the other spouse is identified as the Defendant. The Plaintiff typically pays the filing fee, and is also often the spouse who is required to appear for the uncontested divorce hearing. Depending upon what ground for divorce is […]

Yes, regardless of whether you have settled all issues and have a Marital Settlement Agreement, or you and your spouse are proceeding with litigation, the only way to receive a Judgment of Absolute Divorce in Maryland is to be granted the divorce by the Circuit Court in your jurisdiction. If you have a signed marital […]

Although it is not required that a divorcing spouse be represented by an attorney in divorce proceedings, it is very much recommended. Individuals who proceed with settlement negotiations without the advice of an attorney may later regret decisions they have made once it is too late. Signing a marital settlement agreement without the advice of […]

The best way to prepare for meeting your new lawyer is to gather information regarding all assets and liabilities that exist in the marriage to the best of your ability. In addition, bringing the most recent three to five years of tax returns to your initial meeting will assist the attorney in assessing issues of […]

In Maryland, there is no requirement for parents to contribute to college costs for adult children. Child support obligations terminate upon a Child reaching the age of majority. If parents use a dispute resolution process outside of Court, they may choose to include a provision regarding college expenses, and the sharing thereof, in their marital […]

The cost is entirely dependent upon which process is used by the divorcing spouses to have their disputes resolved. The least expensive process is typically mediation, followed by attorney-negotiated settlements and Collaborative Process. Typically, the costliest form of dispute resolution is court litigation. Family law and divorce attorneys bill an hourly rate based upon the […]

If the spouses are able to resolve the issues of child custody, child support, alimony, property distribution, and any other disputes they may have by some out of court settlement process (Mediation, Collaborative Process, or attorney-negotiated settlement) which results in signing a Marital Settlement Agreement, the parties may proceed with an uncontested divorce. An uncontested […]

The Maryland court may decree an absolute divorce on the following grounds: adultery; desertion, if: (i) the desertion has continued for 12 months without interruption before the filing of the application for divorce; (ii) the desertion is deliberate and final; and (iii) there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor […]