Men, you don’t have to face divorce alone. Call Carmiece Graves Law today at (240) 573-7153 and schedule a case consultation with Maryland’s trusted divorce and separation lawyer for men.
It’s sad but true: About half of all American marriages end in divorce. If you plan on divorcing your wife or partner, you need to find an experienced separation lawyer you can trust to protect your interests. At Carmiece Graves Law, we put our clients first and are proud to serve residents of Upper Marlboro, MD, with their family law needs.
Our founder and principal attorney, Carmiece Graves, Esq., has an extensive legal skillset that makes her uniquely qualified to handle separation and divorce cases. With her hard work, dedication, and client-centered approach, she’ll help you navigate this challenging time in your life. Her practice area is specifically divorce and family law for men and fathers.
Can You Get a Legal Separation in Maryland?
Maryland law doesn’t recognize the term “legal separation.” Instead, the law considers separation as grounds for divorce.
To qualify as a separated couple under Maryland law, both parties must:
- Live in separate houses voluntarily
- Live apart for 12 consecutive months
- Have no likelihood of reconciliation
- Live separate lives for at least six months
These qualifications entail details such as not sleeping in the same bedroom with the other party, no longer celebrating holidays with the other person, no longer taking vacations together, and several other factors that emphasize a lack of cohabitation.
Maryland Divorce Types
If you’re planning on filing for divorce in Maryland, you should familiarize yourself with the two types of divorce the law recognizes in our great state: limited vs. absolute divorce.
Limited Divorce
The term “limited divorce” essentially entails what most people consider a separation. Spouses may still share resources and income but live in separate residences.
However, couples in a limited divorce are still legally married. This type of divorce helps both parties settle contentious issues like finances and child custody. Neither spouse may divide or sell any marital property during a limited divorce.
Absolute Divorce
The Maryland courts dissolve the marital contract in an absolute divorce, leaving both parties free to remarry. Couples under a limited divorce may elect to switch to an absolute divorce, but entering a limited divorce is not a mandatory filing requirement. In addition, both spouses will be free to revert to their previous name.
What Are the Legal Grounds for a Divorce in Maryland?
Before the Maryland courts will grant a divorce, at least one spouse must prove that legal grounds exist. These may include:
For Limited Divorce
- Desertion
- Excessively vicious conduct
- Cruelty of treatment
- Separation
For Absolute Divorce
- Mutual consent divorce
- Irreconcilable differences
- Separate living conditions for at least six months, which could be under the same roof
There is no longer a need to prove that there was adultery, vicious and abusive conduct, or that your spouse deserted you to make a declaration in court. Now, you may declare that there was a problem in the marriage that has been worked on for some time but a resolution was not possible.
Protecting Your Rights with a Divorce Attorney
Even if you believe that your divorce will be amicable, you should still hire a family law attorney or divorce attorney. In our experience, emotions run high during a divorce. You may have difficulty reaching a mutual agreement with your soon-to-be-ex regarding issues like spousal support, asset division, and child custody.
Many men feel that courts give women preference regarding parental rights and child custody issues, but that’s not the case. At Carmiece Graves Law, we have experience representing men in divorce cases, defending their rights, and ensuring that the court understands the male partner’s unique needs and hears their voices.
If you wish to enter into a legal separation agreement with your spouse, we can help. You don’t have to navigate the divorce process alone or feel that you don’t have the upper hand because you’re a man.
Don’t Wait: Contact Carmiece Graves Law Today
As a trusted and well-established divorce and separation lawyer in Maryland, our team at Carmiece Graves Law serves as a staunch legal advocate for families in Upper Marlboro and the surrounding cities. We’re here to help you secure a brighter, happier future, and we’ll be there to guide you through your upcoming separation or divorce.
Contact us at Carmiece Graves Law today at (240) 573-7153 to schedule your case consultation with our legal team in Upper Marlboro, MD.
