Maryland No Fault Divorce

This state grants 2 sorts of divorces. The first is called as an Absolute Divorce. It has the following features.

• Formally terminates a marriage
• Permits the divorced partners to remarry

The second is known as a Limited Divorce. This is another term for court-ordered separation. In this sort of divorce, the divorced partners cannot remarry.

Types of Maryland No Fault Divorce

• There must be mutual and voluntary separation for 1 year. The term "mutual and voluntary" indicates that both the divorcing partners acceded with each other to separate, there was no threat or coercion in the separation and both aimed at terminating the marriage. After 1 year of separation has passed, there must be no expectation or hope of reconciliation. Then, it is possible to have an absolute divorce.
• If for any reason, there has been a separation for 2 years, then, the divorcing partners may procure an absolute divorce. In this case, an abusive and philandering partner, who has separated for 2 years, is also eligible for the divorce.

Advantages of Maryland No Fault Divorce

• A No Fault divorce in this state needs a separation and this is simpler to prove
• There is less antagonism between the divorcing partners
• If a fault ground is claimed, although this is personally satisfying, it inspires the other divorcing partner to contest the grounds. All this process requires a lot of time
• When a fault ground is claimed, there is more necessity of a lawyer and the divorcing partner who has claimed the fault, may be unsuccessful in obtaining the divorce

Residency requirements of Maryland No Fault Divorce

• Minimum one divorcing partner must have lived in this state for 1 year before the date of filing of the divorce papers
• If the above requirement is not satisfied, but the grounds of divorce have taken place in this state, still the divorce can be filed from this state

Property distribution

This state believes in equitable distribution. The property that a partner has acquired prior to marriage is labeled as "Separate property." This property is not distributed, but given wholly to the partner who attained it.

It has been observed that in order to avoid the financial burden, most of the divorcing couples are ready to settle property distribution outside the court amongst them. However, if the Judge is required to intervene and handle the matter, then the duration of the marriage, economical resources of the partners and some other factors are considered before taking the decision.

Documents essential for the divorce

There are two essential documents to begin and finalize the process of divorce. These are Bill of Divorce and Decree of Divorce. During the filing process, generally 10 to 20 documents are necessary. Some of these are as follows.

• Request for Hearing (dom rel 59)
• Answer to Complaint (dom rel 50)
• Financial statement (Plaintiff) (dom rel 31)
• Marital Settlement Agreement
• Certificate of service (for Complaint) (dom rel 58)
• Civil – Domestic Case Information Report

Divorce Papers