Domestic Issues
Maryland Family Law, Divorce Lawyer
Divorce and family law issues have emotional and financial implications that can affect your life and the lives of your children for decades to come. When facing a family law matter, it is extremely important to consult an attorney who knows how to protect your interests today and in the future.
Legal Experience You Can Trust ● (410) 768-7105
Divorce and Family Law Attorney John S. Smith
At John S. Smith & Associates in Glen Burnie, our attorney has more than 20 years of experience in helping people just like you with the full range of family law issues, including:
- Adoption
- Separation agreements
- Divorce — contested and uncontested
- Alimony
- Child custody
- Visitation
- Child support
- Division of property
- Modification of court orders
- Domestic violence — orders for protection
- Move-away issues
- Contempt of court proceedings
- Mediation of disputes
- Paternity
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Grounds for Divorce
In Maryland, you must give the state a reason to grant a divorce. The grounds for an absolute divorce are:
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Voluntary separation
- Criminal conviction of a felony or misdemeanor
- Two-year separation
- Insanity
An absolute divorce is permanent and allows the ex-spouses to remarry others. A legal separation or a limited divorce is not required to file for an absolute divorce.
In every family law or divorce case, we give our clients an honest evaluation of their circumstances and their options. We explain the steps in the legal process and then aggressively pursue your goal. Throughout the process, we keep you informed of developments so there are no surprises.
Whether you want to expand your family through adoption, need to modify your child custody agreement or want to discuss a divorce, please contact our law firm today.
