Maryland’s revised divorce law will take effect on October 1, 2023. The most important aspect of the updated law is the replacement of the old “for-fault” grounds for seeking a divorce — such as adultery, cruelty, etc. — with a new “no-fault” ground for divorce called “irreconcilable differences.”
In the remainder of this article, the Maryland and District of Columbia divorce lawyers at The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl offer a discussion of what “irreconcilable differences” means. If you need help with your divorce, call us. We are here for you and prepared to assist you with securing your desired divorce outcomes.
“Irreconcilable differences” is a very broad legal concept that, generally speaking, contains two aspects. The first aspect relates to the fact that the marriage has experienced an irreparable breakdown — something about the marriage is broken. This breakdown can occur for many reasons, and, in many respects, it does not matter why the breakdown has occurred. However, there are many common reasons why a marriage can become broken. Examples include:
- Difference approaches and views towards spending and finances
- The inability of one spouse to keep a job
- Not enough money for the couple
- Religious, political, moral, and other ideological differences
- Differences in approaches to child rearing
- Physical and mental abuse
- Addiction issues involving drugs, alcohol, other substances, and even addition-like obsessions
- Criminal behavior
- Loss of love and affection
- Migration of love and affection from a spouse to another romantic partner
- Etc.
The second aspect of “irreconcilable differences” is a time-related idea: there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation between the spouses in the future. Divorce is a difficult and often traumatic step. Most couples will try and reconcile before taking the final step and filing for divorce. For many couples, the reconciliation efforts occur over a period of years. But, eventually, the conclusion arrives that what is broken in the marriage cannot be fixed. That is the “irreconcilable” aspect of “irreconcilable differences.”
As noted, irreconcilable differences are a “no-fault” ground for divorce. In simple terms, a “no-fault divorce” just means that neither spouse is being “blamed” for the divorce. In a more technical legal fashion, “no-fault divorce” means that neither spouse must prove — with evidence — any particular facts — such as adultery — to obtain a final divorce court Order terminating the marriage. In this respect, this also means that “irreconcilable differences” is not a factual matter that must be proven with evidence. Indeed, the actual specific reasons for seeking a divorce do not need to be revealed to the divorce court. What is required is that one or both spouses simply state their view or feeling that the marriage is broken, cannot be fixed, and that one or both spouses want out of the marriage.
This is one benefit of allowing “irreconcilable differences” to be a no-fault ground for divorce in Maryland after October 1. Since no evidence or proof will be needed, it will streamline divorce proceedings and shorten the time between filing and the completion of the divorce case.
Maryland And D.C. Family Law Attorneys
Contact the seasoned and experienced Maryland and D.C. family law lawyers at The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl for more information. We have the skills and expertise you need. We have proven experience with family law for Maryland and the District of Columbia. Schedule a consultation today or call us at (443) 331-2770. We have offices in Columbia, MD, and Washington, DC.
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