Divorce in the Face of an Uncooperative Spouse in Maryland

Should you find yourself seeking a divorce but your spouse is being uncooperative, don't lose hope. As Maryland is a no-fault divorce state, it's permissible for one spouse to file for divorce on the grounds of a 12-month separation period, regardless of the other spouse's stance on the divorce. The initiating document for this process is termed a Complaint for Absolute Divorce. This Complaint, along with other essential documents, must be correctly served on the uncooperative spouse, generally by a sheriff or a process server. If the spouse doesn't respond to the Complaint within 30 days (or 60 days if they are outside of Maryland), you can then petition for a default judgment from the court clerk. If children are involved, the default ruling will likely be denied by the clerk and then you must obtain a judicial default which can only be granted by a judge. In any case, a spouse cannot force you to remain in a marriage against your will.

If you don't reach an agreement, our team of adept attorneys is prepared to offer individualized assistance in navigating these complexities. With strong expertise in both contested and uncontested divorces, we are dedicated to protecting your interests.

We recognize that each circumstance is unique, so we offer bespoke advice, taking into account all the specifics of your case. We will accompany you at every stage of the process, providing clear and detailed guidance to alleviate the emotional and financial strains of divorce.

Furthermore, we highly value the potential of mediation and negotiation and will work diligently to assist you in reaching an agreement with your spouse, aiming to avoid costly litigation whenever possible. Our firm is highly experienced in facilitating effective communication between the parties and reaching amicable resolutions, always prioritizing your best interest.

Bear in mind, our primary goal is to help you transition through this challenging time in your life with confidence, security, and peace of mind. Reach out to us today at info@marylanddivorceonline.com for a consultation, and let us provide the empathetic, experienced representation you need and deserve during your divorce proceedings.