What is the process of getting a divorce?

Getting a divorce in Maryland can be a long and complicated process. The first step is to file a Complaint for Absolute Divorce. This document is filed in the circuit court in the county where either you or your spouse live. The complaint must include a variety of information such as your marriage date, the length of separation, and the grounds for the divorce (i.e. adultery or separation). Once you have filed the Complaint for Absolute Divorce, you will need to serve your spouse with a copy of the complaint. Your spouse must be given a chance to respond to the complaint with an Answer. It is important to note that your spouse also has the option to file a counterclaim. The court may require both parties to attend counseling sessions in an attempt to reconcile the marriage before granting the divorce. Depending on the situation, this process could take several months. If your divorce is uncontested, meaning both parties agree to the divorce, the court may grant the divorce without holding a hearing. If your divorce is contested, a trial may be held to determine issues such as property division, alimony, and child custody. If the court grants the divorce, the judgment and decree of absolute divorce will be issued. After a divorce is granted, the court may need to review and approve the agreement between the spouses regarding custody, alimony, and other matters. Once the court has approved the agreement and the divorce is finalized, each spouse may remarry.

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What is the process of getting a divorce?

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