What are the grounds for divorce in Maryland?

No matter the circumstances, the process of obtaining a divorce can be stressful for both the couple and the family involved. If you are contemplating a divorce and live in Maryland, here are the most recent divorce grounds or legal reasons for divorce.

As of October 1, 2023, significant changes were made to Maryland’s divorce grounds. These changes aim to reduce the hurdles involved in obtaining a divorce. The current grounds for divorce in Maryland are:

Mutual Consent: If the couple has reached an agreement and resolved all issues regarding alimony, property distribution, and the care, custody, and access of minor or dependent children. The parties must draft a marital settlement agreement settling all pending issues and file the agreement along with a complaint for divorce with the court.

Six-Month Separation: If the couple has lived separate and apart for six months without interruption before filing the complaint for divorce. The couple may still live under the same roof, but they must be living separate lives—sleeping in different bedrooms, not engaging in sexual relations, and interacting more as roommates than as a married couple. The court will examine the details provided if the couple is still living under the same roof while filing for divorce based on six months of separation.

Irreconcilable Differences: If the couple believes their marriage has ended with no hope of reconciliation, they can outline the specific reasons in the complaint for divorce.

If you have any questions about the grounds for divorce or general divorce concerns, let Patiently Guided Law Office assist you through the process. Call 240-753-7430 to schedule a one-hour consultation.