Absolute Divorce
Absolute Divorce is a final ending to the marriage, and allows for the complete dissolution of the marriage. Upon a finding of absolute divorce, courts will divide marital property, debt, child custody, support, visitation and any issues related to the marriage.
Grounds for filing an Absolute Divorce include:
- Separation for a period of 12 months, or longer (no longer residing in the same home for a continuous period of time)
- Adultery
- Desertion for a period of 12 months, or longer
- Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, if sentenced for 3 years or more and already served 12 months of sentence
- Cruelty of treatment
- Excessively Vicious Conduct
- Insanity
- Mutual Consent
Grounds for divorce are further explained in Maryland's Family Law Article 7-103
What is Limited Divorce?
A limited divorce in Maryland is most closely associated with a legal separation. While there is nothing specifically called a legal separation, there is a Limited Divorce. A Limited Divorce is not a final or absolute divorce, and therefore is not complete, instead it is an outline or process of what will happen after parties separate including who occupies the marital home, if any, or use and possession of the marital home, whether a party will be awarded alimony or spousal support, child custody, visitation, and child support. A Limited Divorce does not include property division or division of retirement accounts.
Grounds to file for Limited Divorce include the following:
- Separation (no longer residing in the same home)
- Cruelty of treatment to the complaining party or a party's minor child
- Excessively vicious conduct to a complaining party or a party's minor child
- Desertion
This is further codified in Maryland's Family Law Article 7-102.
Law Office of Jerry Williams III, is conveniently located in Annapolis, Maryland with remote offices in Baltimore City and Towson. We represent and advise clients in divorce across the State of Maryland including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery, Harford, Howard, and Prince George's County. Contact our office today to set up a consultation.