Separation Law Attorneys

Baltimore, Maryland

If there are issues to be resolved, the parties have two alternatives.

A Separation Agreement can be negotiated. This is preferable because it allows both parties to take part in the decision making process and final result. It is frequently less expensive than a contested trial. But, it is a contract and like any other contract, it requires both parties to be willing to negotiate and agree to its contents. Because it has important legal ramifications, it should be prepared by an experienced attorney. If you believe that your spouse will never be willing to seriously negotiate a Separation Agreement, do not allow an attorney to automatically prepare one for you; you will be paying for something that you will never need. Suggest instead, that a letter be sent to your spouse inquiring as to his/her intentions so that you can make an informed decision as to how you should proceed.

If a Separation Agreement cannot be negotiated, under many circumstances you can petition the Circuit Court for a Limited or an Absolute Divorce (see our discussion on Divorce). If there has been "abuse" by your spouse toward yourself or other members of your household, you may petition the District or Circuit Court for an Ex Parte and then Protective Order (see our discussion on Domestic Violence).