In Maryland, petitioners evaluate applicable laws when they start a divorce case. The state offers specific grounds for the proceedings. Any fault-based grounds require the petitioner to present evidence to support their claim. A local attorney can provide legal advice in Charles County, MD about divorce proceedings.
What Grounds Are Used?
The petitioner isn’t restricted to limited divorce grounds. They choose the grounds that apply to their case. No-fault grounds in the state include a two-year separation, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, and desertion. Fault-based grounds include adultery, insanity, incarceration, domestic violence and vicious conduct.
What Type of Child Custody Is Possible?
Two types of child custody arrangements are possible in the state. Joint custody enables the couple to share custody of the child and make decisions about the child together. Sole custody limits decision-making power to one parent, and the other parent could receive restricted supervised visitation. Sole custody is awarded when a parent presents a risk to the child such as due to an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
How Are Marital Assets Divided?
Marital assets are divided equally among the couple. All assets or properties owned before the marriage are not included in the estate. If an equal division isn’t possible with the current assets, the properties are sold and the proceeds are split between each party.
Who Gets Alimony?
Alimony is awarded to a spouse when their earning capacity is far lower than their spouse’s. Typically, the couple must be married for at least ten years for alimony to be assigned. It is provided temporarily to assist a spouse while they complete an educational program, or permanently throughout the spouse’s life. Provisions apply to permanent alimony. For example, if the spouse remarries, the payments stop.
In Maryland, petitioners evaluate all laws that apply to their divorce case with an attorney. The laws require the petitioner to divide marital assets equally and make a decision about child custody. A divorce agreement is created, and it defines all decisions made by the petitioner. The defendant must sign the documents to achieve an uncontested divorce. Petitioners who need legal advice in Charles County, MD can contact Business Name now.
