Uncontested Divorce Via the Internet
This page allows us to obtain information from you to process your uncontested divorce. The uncontested divorces at our firm are handled by Mary T. Szeluga. She routinely represents persons in uncontested divorce proceedings each year. She will put her experience to work for you. If you are not in a position to obtain an uncontested divorce, then this type of matter can also be handled by Legg Law Firm, LLC. Please call us to arrange for an initial consultation.
Our office number is (301) 620-1016
There are certain terms that you need to understand in regards to Uncontested Divorce. The first, of course, is what is an uncontested divorce:
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is a case where an absolute divorce is sought and all possible issues have been settled between the parties. This would include any financial, property, custody, child support, alimony or other issues. Additionally, there is no dispute as to the grounds for divorce.
Grounds for Divorce
This is the legally recognized basis for a court to grant an absolute divorce to you. In Maryland, there are a number of grounds for divorce. They are broken down below by how long you have to wait to file for divorce. They are:
- Immediate Grounds: Adultery or Domestic Violence
- One Year Wait: Mutual and Voluntary Separation with the intent to end the marriage.
- Two Year Wait: Separation that has lasted at least two years. this often comes into play if the initial separation was not mutual and voluntary.
Absolute Divorce
This is a final divorce that should resolve all property and financial issues, custody, alimony and gives you the right to remarry. This is the type of divorce obtained by an "uncontested divorce".
Limited Divorce
This is short of an absolute divorce and is not what is being referred to by the term "uncontested divorce".
Answers to frequently asked questions are set forth below. If you have any additional questions, please use the mailbox below to send us an e mail.
How are property and other issues resolved to qualify for an uncontested divorce?
Divorce, without any children, consists of three different areas. These areas are financial, emotional and the right to remarry. If you have children, this adds a fourth area dealing with custody and support for the children. You and your spouse most likely have your finances intertwined. For instance joint ownership of property or joint obligations on debt. Further, if you have any children, how you are going to provide for your children and how will custody be addressed. The right to remarry usually follows resolution of the above issues between the parties. The hardest area is often the emotional. However, as lawyers, the emotional area is not one that we can assist you in on a professional basis.
The resolution of these issues can take one of two paths. The first path is to work out a voluntary agreement between you and your spouse, commonly referred to as a separation agreement . If you have a separation agreement, you can proceed as an uncontested divorce in nearly all instances. (If you need a separation agreement, Legg Law Firm, LLC. can prepare one for you -- contact us for more information at (301) 620-1016). The second path is done without a separation agreement. On this path, you will need to present all of the issues to a court for it to decide how the issues will be resolved. This is commonly referred to as a "contested divorce".
What are your fees for an uncontested divorce?
The firm charges a fixed fee for particular services that are necessary for the uncontested divorce. The fees for these fixed services, excluding filing fee, examiner and service fees, are as follows:
Frederick County Uncontested Divorce: $450.00
Adjacent Counties Uncontested Divorce: $500.00
The filing fee in most counties is $100.00. In each county, there will be additional fees for an examiner. For instance in Frederick County, the cost for an examiner and transcription is currently $90.00.
Is there anything else that is addressed in an uncontested divorce?
Yes. if you want to resume your maiden name, then you can include a request to do so in your uncontested divorce papers. If you want to do this, make sure you provide your maiden name in the questionnaire below.
How long does it take for my papers to be prepared?
Once you have provided us the information we need to prepare your uncontested divorce, it usually takes 5-7 working days. Once your papers are finished, we will contact you to set up an appointment for you to meet with Janet Legg to discuss your case and for you to sign your papers.
What happens after my papers are prepared?
After you meet with the attorney, and sign your papers, the papers will be filed with the appropriate Circuit Court. After filing, the court clerk will issue a summons to be served on your spouse.
How do I get started?
Please fill out this questionnaire:
Uncontested Divorce Via the Internet Form
THIS SITE IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE DIVORCE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF MARYLAND OR PERSONS WHO CAN SEEK A DIVORCE IN MARYLAND. THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO PRACTICE LAW IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.