Maryland Divorce Attorney Explains the Different Legal Separation Options Available in the State

Maryland family law firm Zide Siegel Tabor & Spigel is helping couples in the state move on from draining relationships and get a fresh start.

In Maryland, married couples, who are struggling to maintain their bond and want to start over, have two options for separation. Couples can either opt for an absolute divorce or a limited divorce. The former is permanent and is the version of divorce that most people think about when they hear the word. Limited divorce is a legal separation where two people are still technically married to each other but are not cohabitating.

A spokesperson for Zide Siegel Tabor & Spigel explains the grounds for each type of divorce by saying, “Maryland doesn’t allow couples to cite irreconcilable differences as the sole reason for wanting to separate. For the court to grant a divorce decree, Maryland couples have to pick at least one of seven grounds including a 12-month separation, adultery, cruelty of treatment, desertion, insanity, incarceration, or, finally, mutual consent. Couples can also opt for a limited divorce if the grounds for an absolute divorce haven’t been met, one or both of the individuals need financial relief, or they are unable to settle their differences privately. The grounds for limited divorce include separation, desertion, or cruel treatment and excessively vicious conduct.”

Maryland couples or individuals who are looking to go their separate ways can rely on the family law experts at Zide Siegel Tabor & Spigel. Apart from divorce, the Maryland law firm can also provide legal representation in other related family law and marriage matters such as alimony, arbitration and mediation, child custody, child support, military divorce, modifications for custody and support, parenting plan coordinator, postnuptial agreements, prenuptial agreements, spousal support, and third-party custody.

Zide Siegel Tabor & Spigel has been praised over and over again by its Maryland clients as it has an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 on its Google Business Profile from over 30 reviews. The reviews especially commend its professionalism and client-centric approach. One of the partners of the law firm, Maryland divorce attorney Marla Zide, has received several honors and awards including the David Hjortsberg Award and inclusion in the Super Lawyers Rising Stars List (2011), Super Lawyers List (2013-2021), Top 50 Women Maryland Super Lawyers List (2014-2021), and Top 100 Maryland Super Lawyers List (2015-2021).

One reviewer talks about Marla’s dedication to their divorce case by saying, “Marla Zide Law successfully oversaw the process of my divorce from beginning to end which lasted over 15 months. Going through a life change such as divorce is never easy. Marla Zide offered realistic legal advice through her years of experience in family law. When it came time for court Marla and her staff, Megan Magee knew my case through and through and went to war for me. Four days in court is not easy but they made it manageable with their preparation and confidence. Marla is well respected by the court and her peers. Her professionalism and respect for the law are acknowledged and appreciated by all.”

Marla talks about what her clients can expect when they approach the firm by saying, “We talk with distraught clients all the time who are nothing short of emotionally wrecked by the stress of their marital unions. We understand that emotions run high in divorce proceedings. So, we do everything in our power to keep our clients as calm and stress-free as possible. Going through the painful yet liberating experience with us will ensure that you get to kick off the next phase of your life with hope and enthusiasm.”

Anne Arundel County residents can contact the Glen Burnie office of Zide Siegel Tabor & Spigel at (410) 760-9433 to set up a consultation with the Maryland family law lawyer. Apart from its well-reviewed family law and divorce services in Maryland, the law firm also helps clients fight cases in other domains of law such as adoption, bankruptcy, criminal defense, and wills and estates.