Making the decision to get a divorce in Waldorf, Maryland, is never easy. Something has gotten “bad,” and hopes and dreams seem to have been lost. It is a difficult decision, and if you are thinking about getting a divorce, it may be helpful to know a bit about the typical process. Every divorce is unique, but there are some common “steps” in the process. As discussed in more detail below, the seven typical steps are these:

• Making the decision
• Consulting with/hiring a top-tier Waldorf, MD divorce attorney
• Deciding whether to file a contested divorce or a divorce by mutual consent
• Preparing and filing the divorce papers
• Serving those divorce papers on your spouse — which is easy for a divorce by mutual consent but still technically necessary even for that type of divorce
• Preparing and filing additional papers with the Maryland divorce court — if the divorce is contested, there may be several sub-steps here, including hearings before the judge, depositions, etc.
• Obtaining the final Order from the Court that dissolves your marriage

If you are thinking about obtaining a divorce in Maryland, call us here at the Law Office of Robert Castro at (301) 870-1200 for a consultation. We are experienced and dedicated divorce attorneys in Waldorf, Maryland. We can help and will be relentless on your behalf. Here is more information on the seven steps to obtaining a divorce in Waldorf, Maryland

Making the decision

As noted, this step is never easy. Usually, “things” must be going “bad” and probably have been “bad” for a long time. This is a particularly difficult decision if there are minor children involved. But, obtaining a divorce is one way to fix the problems and begin the process of moving forward with your life in a more positive manner.

Consulting with good divorce attorneys

Even if you end up trying to obtain a divorce without legal representation, making an appointment for a consultation is still wise and useful. You need to know your legal rights and need some guidance on how the legal process works.

Deciding whether to file a contested divorce or a divorce by mutual consent

Consulting an attorney can help with one main issue that must be decided: whether to file a contested or a non-contested divorce. Part of the answer involves the status of the relationship between the spouses. If both are willing to get divorced, then filing a divorce by mutual consent is one option. That means that both spouses completely agree on all aspects of the divorce, including division of marital property, alimony, and issues related to children (if any). If if the spouses are not in total agreement, the divorce can still be considered “non-contested” if there are only a few issues for the judge to resolve.

On the other hand, if the spouses are angry, divided, and at emotional (and even physical) odds, then the divorce will be contested.

Once this is decided, then a decision is needed about the grounds for divorce. Starting in 2023, there are three grounds for divorce in Maryland which are:

• Irreconcilable differences
• Separation — living apart — for six months and
• Divorce by mutual consent

Preparing the paperwork and serving the other spouse

The initial paperwork includes a Complaint/Petition for Dissolution of Marriage along with other documents like financial disclosures, etc. There are also documents that must be filed — such as parenting plans — if children are involved.

Serving the other spouse is necessary even in uncontested Maryland divorces. This involves obtaining a hand-delivery of the initial divorce papers from the other spouse. In uncontested Maryland divorces, the other spouse can waive the service of the divorce papers.

The divorce proceedings

Once both spouses are under the jurisdiction of the divorce court, there are various phases of the divorce proceeding. In a contested divorce, these may involve lengthy processes involving motions and hearings before the judge, depositions, discovery, voluntary and/or court-ordered mediations, negotiations, and more. In uncontested divorces, the process is much less intrusive and involved.

Obtaining the final Divorce Decree

Whether contested or uncontested, at some point, the divorce court will resolve all disputes between the spouses and issue the final divorce Decree

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Family Law and Divorce Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland family law and divorce lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Divorce lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 20601.