Divorce can be complicated in Maryland. When certain conditions exist, spouses may separate, but not yet be eligible for an absolute divorce. They may, however, need court intervention prior to the time at which their grounds for divorce ripen. Consequently, they may seek a limited divorce to enable them to acquire temporary relief.
Grounds for Limited Divorce
Maryland law identifies four different grounds upon which a limited divorce can be granted:
- Cruelty of treatment of the complaining party or of a minor child of the complaining party;
- Excessively vicious conduct to the complaining party or to a minor child of the complaining party;
- Desertion; and
- Separation, if the parties are living separate and apart without cohabitation.
During a Limited Divorce
Acting in the best interest of the child, a court may enter temporary orders concerning child custody, child support, and access to the child. Other issues, such as who will live in the family home and alimony may also be decided in a limited divorce. Property distribution cannot be addressed by the court in a limited divorce.
A limited divorce may be a first step toward obtaining an absolute divorce. Both require an experienced family law attorney, like Linda Sorg Ostovitz. I can help you navigate the complexities of divorce. Please contact me at lostovitz@offitkurman.com or telephone (301) 575-0381 for a consultation.
ABOUT LINDA SORG OSTOVITZ
lostovitz@offitkurman.com |301.575.0381
Linda Sorg Ostovitz is a family law attorney. Her legal experience spans more than 34 years. In this time, she has served as a leader, educator and advocate. Mrs. Ostovitz holds a prestigious fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Currently, she serves as President for the Business Women’s Network of Howard County, by which she was chosen Woman of Distinction for 2014. Mrs. Ostovitz represents clients in Howard, Anne Arundel, Carroll and Baltimore Counties. Her practice focuses exclusively on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and access, child support, alimony, business valuation, as well as property and asset distribution. In addition to providing legal representation in court, Mrs. Ostovitz provides mediation services to help families come to a fair and legally-sound conclusion outside of the traditional court proceedings.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 135 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our eleven offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.
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