Limited Divorce Vs. Absolute Divorce

Gov Maryland Family Law, Nov 30, -0001

There are actually two kinds of divorce under Maryland Law:
Limited Divorce and Absolute Divorce.  While this Guide is intended primarily for couples who intend to fully terminate their marriages,and who herefore seek an Absolute Divorce, a few words about Limited Divorce are appropriate.

Limited Divorce under Maryland Law may be granted under certain circumstances.  The grounds for Limited Divorce are:

1. Cruelty of treatment of the complaining party or of a minor child of the complaining party;

2. Excessively vicious conduct to the complaining party or toa minor child of the complaining party;

3. Desertion;
4. Voluntary separation, if the parties are living separate and apart without cohabitation, and there is no reasonable hope of a reconciliation.

The granting of a Limited Divorce authorizes a spouse to lives separate and apart from the other party and to obtain orders relating to certain financial and child custody issues. The parties still remain as husband and wife, and there is no severance of the marital bonds.

For this reason, most persons who seek a divorce, petition the Courts for an Absolute Divorce.  Limited Divorce is sometimes helpful for religious purposes.