Google Screened

Towson Divorce Lawyers Provide Overview of the Grounds for Divorce Requirement in Maryland

Although many states have now adopted laws that do not require grounds for divorce, Maryland law still requires the spouse filing for divorce to have a reason. Further, the person filing must be able to prove the grounds claimed. For this and other reasons, each party to a divorce should be represented by a different Maryland divorce attorney to make sure both spouses’ rights are equally protected.

Maryland has recently changed its laws to shorten the period of separation, which will generally make obtaining the divorce quicker. Now, only a 12-month separation is required.

Overview of Maryland grounds for divorce

A person filing for divorce in Maryland must select one of the following grounds and meet the conditions stated for it before filing.

  • Twelve-month separation – living separately with no cohabitation for 12 months without interruption
  • Desertion – a deliberate and final uninterrupted 12-month period with no expectation of reconciliation
  • Adultery – sexual congress with a partner not your spouse
  • Conviction of a crime – with at least a three-year sentence, of which twelve months has been served before filing
  • Excessively vicious or cruel conduct – toward the spouse or child of the spouse
  • Insanity – one partner being confined to a mental institution for at least three years

For a complete explanation of these grounds, please contact a Maryland divorce lawyer.

Residency requirements for divorce in Maryland

The spouse filing for divorce must be a resident of Maryland. If the grounds happened outside the state, then there is a one-year requirement. For insanity grounds, the filing spouse must be a Maryland resident for two years.

Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC:  Highly Skilled and Knowledgeable Towson Divorce Lawyers

Contact Towson divorce lawyer Gary Miles for more specific information about the requirements for filing for divorce.  Our law offices are conveniently located in HuntValley, East Pikesville and Towson enabling us to serve clients throughout Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County. Call Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC today at (443) 589-0150 to schedule a consultation or contact us online.

av 2019 rating
avvo client choice award
avvo top contributor award
maryland chamber