Category Archives: Divorce
Surveying Maryland Laws for Alimony Support Payments
When a married couple decides to pursue an annulment or divorce in Maryland, they are deciding to end their marriage. Even after a marriage ends, however, circumstances often require one spouse to pay support to the other spouse by making alimony payments. These support payments help address imbalances between the spouses. When Is it… Read More »
Examining the 8 Grounds for Absolute Divorce in Maryland
An absolute divorce in Maryland is permanent, final, and irreversible. Unlike limited divorces, absolute divorces cannot roll back. Correspondingly, there are only certain grounds — or legal reasons — for which a person may pursue an absolute divorce in Maryland. Unless a spouse can demonstrate one of the eight grounds below, the Maryland courts… Read More »
Award of Family Property After a Maryland Divorce
When a couple decides to end their marriage and pursue a divorce, both parties must consider the issue of property division. If the parties to a divorce cannot agree amongst themselves, then a Maryland state court will award possession and use of family property, including the family home and family use personal property. Family… Read More »
What are the Different Kinds of Divorce in Maryland?
Although traditional marriage vows make a couple’s union seem permanent, divorce is a common reality across Maryland and the United States. Recognizing this reality, Maryland law provides for two different types of divorce for married couples: Limited Divorce and Absolute Divorce. Limited Divorce Under Maryland Law Maryland Code of Family Law Section 7-102 details… Read More »
Important Considerations for Marital Separation Agreements in Maryland
Under Maryland family law, it is possible for a married couple to divorce without a lengthy process drawing out in the courts. To do so, the spouses must reach a mutual agreement concerning the terms of their marital separation. Then they must execute a written document that outlines the terms of their separation and… Read More »
Determining Value & Ownership of Marital Property in Maryland
Unless the parties to an annulment or divorce reach a mutual agreement, the Maryland courts step in to help divide marital property. In the process, the court must separate marital and non-marital property; determine the value of marital property; and resolve any ownership disputes concerning marital property. Determination of Marital Property Maryland Code of… Read More »
4 Essential Features of Maryland Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements are a form of contract that a couple can execute before they get married. Prenuptial agreements are contingent upon marriage. If the parties do not actually get married, then the prenuptial agreement becomes null and void. Although the parties negotiate a prenuptial agreement before marriage, the terms are not effective until after… Read More »
4 Types of Assets under Maryland Property Division Rules
When a married couple gets divorced in Maryland, there is a system of rules and guidelines in place to determine property division between the spouses. Unlike many U.S. jurisdictions, Maryland does not adhere to community property rules, where the former spouses split all marital assets down the middle. This type of 50-50 split is… Read More »
What is the Difference Between At-Fault and No-Fault Divorces in Maryland?
In historical context, divorce is a modern concept. A long time ago, marriage was a permanent and final act. Marriages continued until one spouse died. Only then could the other spouse consider remarrying. Gradually, the times began to change and the need for divorce became clear. If one spouse engages in domestic violence or… Read More »
How Does Maryland Law Address Prenuptial Agreements?
A prenuptial agreement is a contract that future spouses execute before they get married. Most prenuptial agreements protect one spouse’s assets and property from the other spouse. If the spouses ever get divorced, a valid prenuptial agreement overrides the usual rules concerning property division. In certain cases, prenuptial agreements can dictate the future terms… Read More »
