The Law Offices of David E Silverberg recognizes that when it comes to representing someone in a divorce, we are dealing with just the law, but we are helping to manage the lives and protecting the rights of the individuals we represent during one of the most emotionally tumultuous times of their lives. As a Towson Divorce Lawyer, David Silverberg, will clearly explain every step of the divorce process, every option available to you, and every legal avenue available to you.

This type of guidance can help you make decisions confidently and start the next chapter of your life with much-needed peace of mind. Contact The Law Offices of David E Silverberg today for your initial divorce consultation.

Two Types of Divorce

In the state of Maryland, there are two types of divorce; the first is a limited divorce and the second is an absolute divorce. In order for a divorce to be awarded, the grounds for one of these types of divorces must be met.

A limited divorce is in reality a legal separation. A limited divorce is not final and neither party may remarry. One party may file for a limited divorce on one of the grounds allowed by statute, but this will not prevent the other spouse from bringing an action for divorce based upon a different ground such as adultery, cruelty of treatment, excessively vicious conduct or any other ground for divorce.

The grounds for a limited divorce or absolute divorce are statutory, meaning that the legislature has assigned grounds for divorce that are contained in a statute.

The grounds for a limited divorce are:

• Cruelty of treatment which causes the non-offending spouse to leave
• Excessively vicious conduct which causes the non-offending spouse to leave
• Desertion for less than 12 consecutive months
• Voluntary separation for less than 12 consecutive months
• The grounds for an absolute divorce are:
• Adultery
• Desertion for more than 12 consecutive months
• Voluntary separation for more than 12 consecutive months
• Separation of more than two consecutive years
• Cruelty of treatment which causes the non offending spouse to leave and the separation is in excess of 12 consecutive months
• Excessively vicious conduct which causes the non offending spouse to leave and the separation is in excess of 12 consecutive months
• Conviction of a crime with a sentence of three years or longer
• Insanity if the other party has been confined to a mental institution for at least three years and two physicians certify that the insanity is incurable

A limited divorce or an absolute divorce may be obtained in Maryland only if the residency requirements have been met or if the grounds for divorce occurred in Maryland. This means that you must have been a resident of this state for more than one year prior to the filing of the Complaint for Divorce. Maryland would have jurisdiction to award a divorce, assuming that the grounds for divorce have been proven. If the grounds for divorce occurred in Maryland, then you may file for a divorce in Maryland.

By way of example, if you and your spouse are visiting or vacationing in Maryland and your spouse commits one of the named marital offenses while in Maryland, you may sue for a divorce in this state. This may or may not be advantageous, depending upon the laws of the state in which you and your spouse regularly reside.

Questions to Ask a Towson Divorce Lawyer

With over 40 years of experience helping individuals through divorce, we understand the importance of choosing the right lawyer to help guide you through the divorce process. Here are a few questions you should ask every divorce lawyer you meet before making the decision of who to work with.

1. Do you specialize in divorce, or is it just a part of your practice
2. How long have you been practicing law?
3. What is your strategy for representing someone in a divorce case?
4. How often do you communicate with your clients regarding their case, and who is my main point of contact during my case?
5. How does the billing process work?
6. Who negotiates with my spouse during the divorce process?
7. How many people from your office will be working on my case?
8. What is the experience of your paralegals and assistants?

About the Law Offices of David E Silverberg, Your Towson Divorce Lawyer

David Silverberg is an experienced divorce lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland. His family law firm has over forty years of experience helping families and individuals navigate the legal process of family law including divorce law. For more information regarding his law firm in Towson, Maryland please feel free to contact our law offices. If you are in need of an experienced family law attorney, you may also schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of E. David Silverberg to discuss your divorce case.