Divorce and separation in Rockville, Maryland

Stacy Blondes Talbott, divorce attorney in Rockville, provides legal assistance to families filing for divorce in Maryland. For most people, divorce is a difficult time, and having an experienced divorce lawyer you can trust makes a big difference. Each divorce is unique to the parties involved. Depending on the situation, there are a variety of approaches to consider when involved in a divorce.

Uncontested divorce

In an uncontested divorce, parties agree on all the terms of the divorce, including child support, child custody, visitation, and property division. Uncontested divorce is the simplest, but usually the least common type of divorce.

Contested divorce

In a contested divorce, the couple cannot agree on divorce terms. They disagree on terms regarding child custody, support payments, or property division.

No-fault divorce

In a no-fault divorce, neither party is at fault for the divorce. No-fault divorce occurs in Maryland in two ways:

• Mutual and voluntary separation for 12 months
• Involuntary separation for 24 months

Separation in this case means that the couple is living separately. A couple living separately for one year may file for divorce if there is no hope of reconciliation.

Fault grounds for divorce

The most common grounds filed for a fault-based divorce include:

• Adultery
• Cruelty of treatment
• Excessively vicious conduct
• Desertion
• Felony conviction
• Mental insanity

Litigation, alternative dispute resolution, collaborative divorce When partners fail to come to an agreement, they must choose from available legal options to resolve the terms of their contested divorce. If one party has engaged in criminal activity, or child, alcohol, or controlled substance abuse, litigation through trial may be the only viable approach. However, in many cases, couples can resolve divorce disagreements through a negotiated settlement or mediation.

As a relatively new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method, more and more couples favor collaborative divorce. In a collaborative divorce, other professionals such as marriage counselors or financial consultants participate in the process to help the couple cooperate with each other and arrive at agreements that make their lives easier. Collaborative divorce allows couples to take an active role and form decisions that serve their best interests.

Couples who do not wish to divorce may also consider separation as an option.

Arrange a consultation with Stacy Blondes Talbott to discuss your divorce

Rely on an experienced attorney for legal advice regarding family law issues. Call 301-637-8591 or contact us online today to arrange a confidential, no obligation consultation with an experienced family law attorney. The Stacy Blondes Talbott law office is located one block from the Montgomery County, Courthouse. Parking is available. The law firm offers legal services at reasonable fees.