The process of a separation or divorce can be a very difficult one. Not only emotionally, but it can also be difficult legally. Sometimes couples separate as the first step in dissolving their marriage. But before you and your spouse decide to go down that path, there are a few things you need to know.

Legal Separation in Maryland Doesn’t Exist

The state of Maryland does not recognize legal separation. If you and your spouse live apart, are not having sexual relations, and intend to end the marriage, it can be considered as a separation and that is a legal ground for divorce in Maryland.

Maryland Law Recognizes a Limited Divorce

Although Maryland does not recognize legal separation, it does recognize a limited divorce. Under a limited divorce, partners can live in separate homes but share income and resources. A limited divorce does not end your marriage but instead gives you and your partner time to resolve certain issues such as finances and child custody before you are eligible for an absolute divorce.

Voluntary Separation is a No-Fault Ground for Divorce

Under Maryland law, marriage separation is a no-fault reason for divorce. This means that the marriage ending was due to neither parties’ misconduct. In order for a voluntary separation to be recognized by Maryland law, the couple must live in separate homes for 12 consecutive months, refrain from having sexual relations with each other, and have no reasonable hope of reconciliation.

You Need to File a Form to Initiate a Limited Divorce

A limited divorce is similar to what people think about when they consider a legal separation. To initiate a limited divorce, you need to file a Complaint for Limited Divorce(CC-DR-021) in the circuit court in the county where you or your spouse lives. The initiating spouse is responsible for providing a copy of the Complaint to their spouse. Be sure to make enough copies of the complaint for you and your spouse.

It’s Recommended that You Have a Lawyer

Although you aren’t filing for an absolute divorce just yet, it’s still a good idea to have an experienced family lawyer by your side, especially if you have a lot at stake. Consider getting a lawyer if your case has complicated issues or your spouse has a lawyer. Lawyers can help you and your partner sort out issues like child custody, child support, alimony, and financial issues. Lastly, they can help you and your partner create a separation agreement that details the rights and responsibilities of each spouse before seeing a judge. This is not a process that you should face on your own.

If you’re considering a limited divorce or an absolute divorce, contact us today. We’ve been helping people navigate divorces for over 19 years and can provide dependable legal advice for your case.

5 Cosas Que Debe Saber Sobre Las Separaciones Legales en Maryland

El proceso de una separación o divorcio puede ser muy difícil. No solo emocionalmente, sino que también puede ser difícil legalmente. A veces las parejas se separan como primer paso para disolver su matrimonio. Pero antes de que usted y su cónyuge decidan seguir ese camino, hay algunas cosas que debe saber.

La separación legal en Maryland no existe

El estado de Maryland no reconoce la separación legal. Si usted y su cónyuge viven separados, no tienen relaciones sexuales y tienen la intención de terminar el matrimonio, se puede considerar una separación y ese es un motivo legal para el divorcio en Maryland.

La ley de Maryland reconoce un divorcio limitado

Aunque Maryland no reconoce la separación legal, sí reconoce un divorcio limitado. Bajo un divorcio limitado, los cónyuges pueden vivir en casas separadas y compartir ingresos y recursos. Un divorcio limitado no pone fin a su matrimonio, sino que le da a usted y a su pareja tiempo para resolver ciertos problemas, como las finanzas y la custodia de los hijos, antes de que sea elegible para un divorcio absoluto.

La separación voluntaria es un motivo sin culpa para el divorcio

Bajo la ley de Maryland, la separación del matrimonio es una razón sin culpa para el divorcio. Esto significa que la terminación del matrimonio no se debió a la mala conducta de ninguna de las partes. Para que la ley de Maryland reconozca una separación voluntaria, la pareja debe vivir en hogares separados durante 12 meses consecutivos, abstenerse de tener relaciones sexuales entre ellos y no tener ninguna esperanza razonable de reconciliación.

Debe presentar un formulario para iniciar un divorcio limitado

Un divorcio limitado es similar a lo que la gente piensa cuando considera una separación legal. Para iniciar un divorcio limitado, debe presentar una Demanda de divorcio limitado (CC-DR-021) en el tribunal de circuito del condado donde vive usted o su cónyuge. El cónyuge iniciador es responsable de proporcionar una copia de la Queja a su cónyuge. Asegúrese de hacer suficientes copias de la demanda para usted y su cónyuge.

Se recomienda que tenga un abogado

Aunque todavía no está solicitando un divorcio absoluto, sigue siendo una buena idea tener a su lado a un abogado de familia con experiencia, especialmente si tiene mucho en juego. Considere conseguir un abogado si su caso tiene problemas complicados o si su cónyuge tiene un abogado. Los abogados pueden ayudarlo a usted y a su pareja a resolver problemas como la custodia de los hijos, la manutención de los hijos, la pensión alimenticia y los problemas financieros. Por último, pueden ayudarlo a usted y a su pareja a crear un acuerdo de separación que detalle los derechos y responsabilidades de cada cónyuge antes de ver a un juez. Este no es un proceso que debas enfrentar por tu cuenta.

Si está considerando un divorcio limitado o un divorcio absoluto, contáctenos hoy. Llevamos más de 19 años ayudando a las personas a superar los divorcios y podemos brindarle asesoramiento legal confiable para su caso.

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