Seasoned Family Law And Divorce Attorneys Providing Personal Attention

No one enters a marriage expecting to get divorced. At the Law Offices of Elling & Elling, we understand the emotional and financial strain that our clients experience in divorce and other family law matters. Our goal is to serve as a loyal advocate and steady voice of reason. We take a practical, open-minded approach to handling our clients’ problems and we strive to bring about the best possible results.

If you or your spouse has even considered filing for divorce, our family law attorneys can stand by your side, give counsel and fight to protect your interests during this difficult time. If you would like to meet face-to-face to discuss your circumstances, call us today at 301-960-3416 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.

Guiding You To A Favorable Marital Settlement

The Law Offices of Elling & Elling offers legal services informed by a close familiarity with the local legal system. We are a father-son team serving the community with 50-plus years of legal experience, during which we have gained a wealth of legal knowledge.

Our firm can effectively guide you through the court system, providing services to address the full spectrum of issues related to divorce and family law, including:

• Property division
• Custody and visitation
• Child support and alimony
• Enforcement
• Contempt
• Modifications

Being a small law firm, we are able to work closely and personally with our clients. We will work with you to learn the details of your story and build the strongest case possible. You will work with the same lawyer throughout the duration of your case. When you call with questions, your attorney will deliver a prompt answer.

Understanding The Grounds For Divorce In Maryland

At the Law Offices of Elling & Elling, we understand that the decision to pursue a divorce is not made lightly. Maryland law requires that specific grounds be established for a divorce, and our knowledgeable attorneys are here to help you navigate these requirements.

Maryland recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault divorce can be pursued if the parties have lived separately for at least 12 consecutive months without interruption before filing for divorce. This separation must be deliberate and there should be no cohabitation during this period.

On the other hand, fault grounds include but are not limited to adultery, desertion, cruelty and certain criminal convictions. Each of these grounds requires specific evidence and can significantly impact the outcomes of alimony and property division.

Understanding the nuances of these grounds and choosing the appropriate path requires careful legal consideration. We are committed to providing clear, detailed guidance to ensure that your divorce proceedings are handled effectively, respecting your personal circumstances and the sensitivities involved.

How Long Will My Divorce Take?

Understanding the timeline for a divorce in Maryland is crucial for managing expectations and planning for the future. The duration of a divorce in Maryland can vary significantly depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, including alimony, property division and child custody, can be quicker. Typically, an uncontested divorce may be finalized within three to six months after all the necessary documents are filed, assuming the mandatory 12-month separation period has been met.

The process for contested divorces is generally longer and more complex. These cases require court intervention to resolve disputes and can take anywhere from several months to a few years. The timeline can be affected by the court’s schedule, the complexity of the issues at stake, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate.

The initial step involves one party filing a complaint for divorce, after which the other party has 30 days to respond. If the divorce involves minor children, Maryland law requires the parents to attend a parenting education program. Additionally, the court may order mediation to resolve disputes regarding custody and financial matters.

It’s also important to note that either spouse can file for a limited divorce, which does not end the marriage but resolves some issues between the parties, such as separation of finances and custody. After the conditions for an absolute divorce are met, this can be converted to an absolute divorce.

Personal Service, There When You Need It

If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our firm, call us today at 301-960-3416 or contact us online. We look forward to meeting with you.