To get divorced in Maryland, a judge must enter an order known as a Judgment of Absolute Divorce. In a divorce action, one party must file a Complaint for Absolute Divorce which will ask the judge to award an “Absolute Divorce” in order to initiate a divorce proceeding. The other party will file an Answer to the Complaint for Absolute Divorce for the case to proceed.
Maryland law recognizes 8 grounds (legal reasons) for divorce. Six grounds are considered ‘fault based’ grounds, including adultery, desertion (abandonment), or imprisonment. Maryland law also allows for two causes that are ‘no-fault’ grounds for divorce: 12-month separation (requires 12 month waiting period) and Mutual Consent, which will allow parties to expedite their divorce as there is no waiting period for a Mutual Consent Divorce.
You will be eligible for a Mutual Consent Divorce if you and your spouse enter into a signed, written agreement covering the major factors in every divorce case .
At Maryland Divorce Mediators, we will work with you to resolve all issues and prepare a draft agreement that will comply with the Maryland’s new Mutual Consent Divorce law.
At the conclusion of our mediation process, we offer a brief consultation during which we will provide all applicable divorce court forms for you to file and obtain a Judgment of Absolute Divorce under Maryland’s Mutual Consent Divorce statute. While we will not serve as your attorney, we provide all the information necessary including copies of the proper court forms and consultation so you can complete the court process ‘pro se’ (without an attorney).
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about the expedited Mutual Consent Divorce and how we can help you obtain a divorce for a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the time.