Going through a divorce can be an emotionally fraught process that’s rarely as simple as the people involved expect. For one thing, it can take longer than you might assume, potentially leaving you waiting months for a resolution so you can move on with your life.

Numerous factors can influence how long the process takes, which could further complicate matters. If you’re filing for divorce now, it will be helpful to have a clear idea of the general timeline and what could affect it.

With that in mind, here’s an overview of some of the factors that could make a difference in the timeline of your Maryland divorce.

Type of Divorce

One of the most important factors to consider when planning a divorce in Maryland is whether it’s likely to be contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses agree on issues like:

  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Alimony
  • Property distribution

Since there are no significant disputes, these divorces tend to move rapidly. Once you submit a Marital Settlement Agreement outlining the terms of the dissolution, it can be finalized in 30–90 days.

Contested divorces, on the other hand, can take significantly longer. This type of divorce is often unavoidable when the spouses can’t agree on key issues.

If there are allegations of abuse, infidelity, or mistreatment, you’ll likely need to file for a contested divorce. Negotiations over child custody, alimony, and similar issues can extend the process to a year or longer.

Residency Requirement

If you’re seeking a divorce in Maryland, and the grounds for divorce arose in another state, at least one of the spouses must have been a resident of Maryland for at least six months.

This residency requirement can cause the marriage-dissolution process to take longer if you’ve recently moved to the state. It can be waived, however, if the grounds for divorce occurred in Maryland.

Minor Children

If you have young children, your divorce could be a lengthy process. You’ll need to come to an agreement on issues like parenting time, custody arrangements, and child support. Coming to an accord on these matters could make the timeline considerably longer.

Complexity of Assets

A marriage with minimal assets, no debts to resolve, and no real estate to divide can usually be terminated much faster.

More complex financial situations, like the spouses being co-owners of a business, complicated retirement accounts, professional practices, and the existence of other assets, will always make a divorce take longer because of the need for negotiations.

Refusal to Participate

If one of the spouses refuses to participate in the divorce proceedings, they can come grinding to a halt. They might fail to respond to the initial divorce complaint or refuse to disclose their assets. In the most serious cases, they may even try to hide certain assets.

These kinds of actions generally make it necessary to turn to the courts for help. The discovery phase of the case, during which both spouses and their legal representatives will turn over relevant evidence and information to the other side, can take months.

The same is true if your spouse moves to another state. You’ll need the assistance of a qualified divorce attorney to deal with these sorts of complications.

Court Schedule

The schedule of the court in which you file will also play a role in how long your divorce takes. Some courts have large caseloads, which means your hearing might not take place for weeks or even months. (This is typically the case right after the holidays.) As such, it can be helpful to speak with a lawyer about when the best time is to file.

Legal Representation

Divorces in which both spouses have lawyers can be resolved more expediently than those in which only one party does.

Attorneys offer more than just legal guidance. They can help the spouses communicate, minimizing conflict so that custody, property division, and alimony issues can be resolved faster and with less resistance.

Without go-betweens, communication problems can arise between the two parties, making it all but impossible to proceed.

Turn to an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Maryland

If you’ve decided to begin divorce proceedings, it’s important to have a clear idea of what to expect time-wise. Being aware of the various factors that can influence the duration of your case can help you better prepare for it.

One of the most critical things you can do for yourself as you navigate your divorce in Maryland is to hire an experienced attorney. Blattner Family Law Group can offer the compassionate and dedicated legal support you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Maryland divorce lawyers.