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    Annapolis Divorce Attorneys Clarify Grounds for Divorce

    Maryland family lawyers proudly helping clients substantiate their reasons for separating

    In an ideal scenario, two people who have fallen out of love can agree to divorce, decide who keeps which property, and then go on their separate ways. In the real world, divorce can be messy, frustrating and complicated, especially when neither party can agree on how to proceed. The compassionate Annapolis divorce attorneys of Cynthia H. Clark & Associates, LLC help individuals who are seeking to divorce throughout Maryland in navigating these uncertain waters.

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    Common grounds for Maryland divorce

    When one party seeks to file for a contested divorce, the complaint filed by the lawyer will likely list one of these six grounds of fault under Maryland law:

    • Adultery
    • Conviction of a criminal felony or misdemeanor requiring jail time
    • Desertion for more than one year
    • Insanity
    • Cruelty
    • Excessively vicious conduct (including harsh behavior toward a spouse or a child under the age of 18)

    Divorces on these grounds are called absolute divorces, and will effectively fully dissolve your marriage. This gives you the legal right to remarry and further divide property as you wish.

    Fault and No-Fault Grounds for Divorce in Maryland

    For a quick recap of fault and no-fault grounds for divorce, please watch the following video:

    Requirements for a no-fault Maryland divorce

    Most divorces in Maryland will require a 12-month period of separation. If you and your spouse have children who are minors, and wish to file for a “no fault” divorce, this strict separate living rule is enforced. This is not the case when a couple does not have minor children.

    If you wish to end your marriage without the 12-month waiting period, however, you can file for an uncontested divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. In order to do this, you and your spouse must satisfy all the Court’s stated requirements:

    • A complete, written settlement has been agreed upon and submitted to the court, including decisions about alimony and property division,
    • Both parties are present at the uncontested divorce hearing, and
    • Neither party requests a revision of the settlement from the Court

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