New Law in Maryland Allows a Quickie Divorce by “Mutual Consent”

Maryland Gavel

It used to take couple wanting to divorce almost a year to do so in Maryland. Not anymore. Since October 1, 2015, there is a new ground for divorce in Maryland – divorce by “mutual consent.” You can be divorced immediately, or as fast as the Court can process your case, if four conditions are met:

  1. You have no minor children in common;
  2. You have a signed, written settlement agreement covering both alimony and property rights that you submit to the Court;
  3. Neither party asks the Court to set aside their written settlement agreement; and
  4. Both parties appear at the uncontested divorce hearing.

This new ground for divorce is revolutionary in Maryland which had a long-standing policy of slowing divorce cases to encourage a reconciliation. The new law no longer requires the couple looking for a “no-fault” divorce to be separated for any period of time before filing for the divorce. This will allow couples to continue to live in the same home while they negotiate a settlement of their marital issues.

About Tim Leahy

Timothy P. Leahy, a partner at the firm, practices law in Maryland and the District of Columbia and is a member of the American, Maryland, D.C, and Prince George’s County Bar associations. He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Baltimore Law School in May 2000, earned his M.B.A. in 1993 at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, and his B.S. in Transportation & Logistics at Maryland in 1990. Timothy brings over 10 years experience in business to his practice of the law and focuses on litigation and general practice matters. A former home improvement contractor and army reservist, he volunteers with Christmas in April and has coached for the Bowie Boys & Girls Club. He is a Board member of his homeowners association, pro bono counsel for Bowie CLAW, and a volunteer Mediator for the District Court of Maryland. Timothy moved to Bowie in 1982 and lives there with his wife of 24 years and two sons.
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