A new Maryland law will now make it easier for couples without minor children to divorce. Married couples that can reach an amicable agreement to divorce that includes the division of the marital estate can proceed through the divorce process without the required year-long waiting period currently required. The new law will come into effect in mid-October of 2015 and is geared toward helping couples move forward in their lives without the added stress of the 12 month waiting period.
Couples seeking divorce that have minor children cannot take advantage of the new law. Maryland law still requires these couples to wait a year from the time they separate to file for divorce, even if they can do so amicably. Separation begins the day that the couple takes up separate residence, but the year long separation period has to start over if the couple resumes cohabitation, even if only for a day. Those without children will no longer have to be restricted in how they choose to live while going through the divorce proceedings.
Under the old law, a couple seeking divorce wherein no children were involved could only be exempt from the separation requirement if one of the spouses was accused of adultery or domestic violence. The courts found that some couples would make claims of infidelity or abuse to expedite the divorce process, with some even making the claims against themselves. The new law will allow couples to maintain privacy in the details of their marital separation, and allow them to move on from the marriage quicker and without the stress involved with the extended waiting requirement.
Opponents to the new law initially argued that couples could essentially take advantage of one another in the expedited process. Amendments were then made that excluded couples with minor children from taking advantage of the new process. Both partners are also required to be present at the final divorce hearing. The former law only required one of the spouses to attend this hearing.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles LLC Help Couples Find the Least Stressful Dissolution to their Marriage
If you are considering a divorce, the experienced and knowledgeable Towson divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles LLC can help you do so with the least amount of stress possible. Our team of is committed to protecting your legal rights and best interests throughout the entire divorce process. Call us at 443-589-0150, or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.
Our offices are located in Towson, East Pikesville, and Hunt Valley, Maryland allowing us to serve clients in Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
