If you’re getting ready to file for divorce in Howard County, you might be curious about how long the process will last. The uncertainty can be stressful, especially when you are ready to move forward with your life. Although each case varies, being aware of the typical timeline and potential delays can help you set realistic expectations.
This article will walk you through standard divorce timelines in Maryland, explain factors that influence how quickly your case progresses, and highlight what can slow things down.
Understanding Maryland’s Divorce Timeline
The length of time a divorce takes in Maryland depends primarily on whether your case is contested or uncontested. According to the Maryland Courts, you must meet specific grounds before filing for divorce.
In uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on all terms, the process usually proceeds more quickly. Uncontested cases generally take one to four months from filing to finalization. This assumes you have already met Maryland’s separation requirements and have a signed marital settlement agreement in place.
Disputed divorces, in which spouses disagree on matters such as property division, custody, or support, can significantly prolong the process, often lasting over a year.
What Makes Cases Move Faster
Several factors can help speed up your divorce timeline. When both parties cooperate and communicate openly with their Howard County, MD divorce attorney, cases progress more smoothly. Having all financial documents organized prevents delays in the discovery process.
Choosing a mutual consent divorce is one of the fastest routes. For mutual consent divorces, both parties must agree to the dissolution of marriage and execute a written agreement that addresses all matters pertaining to alimony, division of marital property, and issues concerning any children.
Working with an experienced Howard County, MD divorce attorney who knows local court procedures can also streamline the process.
Factors That Cause Delays in Divorce Cases
Disputed Property Division
One of the most frequent causes of delays is the division of property. If parties cannot agree on division, Maryland’s Marital Property Act governs the process, and the court will decide what marital property and its value.
Complex asset portfolios, business valuations, and retirement accounts all require time to assess correctly. When spouses disagree about what constitutes marital versus non-marital property, the court must make determinations based on multiple factors.
Hidden Assets and Financial Disclosure
Suspicions about hidden assets can significantly delay proceedings. Full financial disclosure is required in divorce proceedings per Maryland law. During discovery, both spouses must fully disclose their finances.
When one spouse believes that the other is hiding assets, further discovery is required.This may involve employing forensic accountants, carrying out depositions, and issuing subpoenas to banks and other financial entities. Concealing assets during a divorce can lead to significant repercussions, such as contempt of court charges and possible criminal penalties for committing perjury.
Child Custody Disputes
Custody disagreements can be particularly time-consuming. The court has the authority to mandate evaluations, conduct home studies, or appoint an attorney for the child. In contested custody cases, parents are required to participate in two mediation sessions, each lasting two hours, with a mediator approved by the court.
These additional steps, while necessary for determining the child’s best interests, extend the overall timeline by several months.
Court Scheduling
Even straightforward cases can experience delays due to court scheduling. The Family Laws staff reviews domestic cases to determine scheduling and service referrals, and most contested domestic cases are scheduled for a scheduling conference.
Court calendars fill up quickly, and getting hearing dates that work for both parties, their attorneys, and the court can take time.
How a Howard County, MD Divorce Attorney Can Help
An experienced Howard County, MD divorce attorney understands the local court system and knows how to avoid common delays. They can help you gather necessary financial documentation early, make sure all forms are completed accurately, and represent your interests during negotiations.
If your case involves complex issues such as business valuations or hidden assets, your attorney can work with forensic accountants and other professionals. When disputes arise, a skilled Howard County, MD divorce attorney can often negotiate settlements that keep your case out of lengthy court battles.
Pro Tip: Establishing Realistic Expectations
Recognizing that the divorce process requires time is the initial step in effectively managing your expectations. Preparing for a process that can take several months to a year in contested cases helps reduce frustration.
Keep yourself organized, respond quickly to your attorney’s requests, and be willing to find middle ground when necessary. The more you can work cooperatively with your spouse, the faster your case will progress.
Connect with an Experienced Howard County Divorce Attorney
If you’re going through a divorce in Howard County, we understand how overwhelming the uncertainty can feel. At Milstein Siegel, we’ve helped countless Maryland clients through the divorce process efficiently while protecting their interests at every step.
We’ll take time to understand your specific situation, explain the realistic timeline for your case, and develop a strategy that moves your divorce forward as smoothly as possible. Our familiarity with the Howard County courts allows us to tackle issues promptly and efficiently.
Get in touch with Milstein Siegel online or call (443) 230-4674 to set up a consultation. We can help you manage this difficult period with clarity and confidence.