What is a no-fault divorce?

A no-fault divorce is a type of divorce available in Maryland where one spouse does not have to prove the other spouse did something wrong in order to get a divorce. A no-fault divorce is often considered an easier and quicker option for getting divorced when the spouses agree to terms such as division of assets and child custody. In a no-fault divorce, the court makes decisions based on the law without hearing from either spouse. The court will consider factors such as the length of the marriage, contributions each spouse made during the marriage and the health and well-being of any minor children before making a decision. A no-fault divorce can be used even if one spouse does not agree to the divorce. However, the spouse who disagrees may be able to delay the process or contest some of the divorce terms. In order to file for a no-fault divorce in Maryland, the parties must either show they have been living apart for at least 12 months or they must agree that irreconcilable differences have caused the breakdown of the marriage. Irreconcilable differences can include things such as a spouse’s bad behavior, lack of communication, or an inability to come to agreement on important issues. In a no-fault divorce, neither spouse is required to prove fault in order to get a divorce or argue over who is at fault. This makes it easier to get divorced without the drawn-out process of a regular divorce, which can be beneficial to couples who are looking to move on quickly.

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