How Long Does the Divorce Process Take in Maryland?

In Maryland, marriage is defined as a civil contract between two individuals. When a marriage is dissolved, a divorce is the legal process that officially ends the marriage. This is typically executed through the issuance of a divorce decree by a court, which legally declares the marriage no longer valid. Although couples sometimes believe that obtaining a divorce will be a prolonged process, it does not need to be. In the following guide, we will review these divorce timelines in more detail and explain how individuals may be able to expedite the process. 

The Timeline for a Divorce in Maryland

In Maryland, once a Marital Separation Agreement is reached, the divorce process typically takes 60 to 120 days to finalize. However, this timeframe may vary based on factors such as the specific court / county, caseload, and availability of judges. 

Factors Affecting Divorce Duration in Maryland

In Maryland, divorce proceedings are influenced by a variety of factors. These include the specific circumstances surrounding the divorce, the complexity of the case, and the ability of the parties involved to come to an agreement. Cases involving children or issues related to asset division and custody typically take 12-15 months to reach a final resolution. On the other hand, no-fault and uncontested divorces can be finalized within a shorter timeframe of a few months. 

Expedited Divorce Options in Maryland

For those looking to further expedite this divorce process, there are options:

• Parties can try alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to come to an agreement faster. 
• Seeking legal counsel to address any outstanding matters can also help expedite the process. 
• Making efforts to mitigate disputes without hostility, particularly in cases involving minimal shared assets, can significantly reduce the time to finalize the divorce.

Common Delays in the Divorce Process

In Maryland, the divorce process can be delayed by a variety of factors, including situations where one of the parties moves to another state, parties not engaging in open and honest disclosure of assets and liabilities, unreasonable demands by one party on issues like custody, access, support, or property division, a breakdown in communication between the parties, or issues developing during the property division stage. 

If you want a quicker resolution and minimize delays with the divorce proceedings, as long as you can do so safely and without negative impacts on your mental wellbeing, it can help to maintain honest communication with your partner. Additionally, working with an experienced family law attorney throughout the divorce may be helpful, as these legal professionals can provide you with clarity and support to get through this challenging ordeal.

Do You Need To Wait To Get a Divorce in Maryland?

In Maryland, there are residency requirements that need to be met for a couple to be able to file for divorce. Specifically, at least one party must have been a resident of Maryland for at least six months before filing. Once this requirement is met, an absolute divorce can be granted without any compulsory waiting period if both parties agree to the terms of the divorce. This means that if there is mutual agreement, the divorce can be finalized without the need to wait for a specific period of time after filing (still subject to the court’s scheduling).

To Learn More About the Divorce Process in Maryland, Contact Rice Law Today 

When confronted with a family law matter, such as a divorce, child custody dispute, or domestic violence situation, it is important to have a legal team by your side that is empathetic, knowledgeable, and dedicated to protecting your interests. At Rice Law, our team of experienced lawyers understands the emotional and legal complexities of family law cases, and we are committed to providing personalized attention and strategic counsel to help you navigate these challenging situations. 

To learn more about the divorce process in Maryland, contact Rice Law today and speak with our team.